Feb 28

How can we ensure that tax evaders and aggressive tax avoiders do not profit from taxpayer-funded public procurement contracts?

Blogs

Conservative MP for North Wiltshire, James Gray, recently asked Parliament what steps the UK Government was taking in its procurement policy to tackle aggressive tax avoidance by government suppliers.[1] A reasonable question: why should tax dodgers profit from contracts funded by taxpayers? The answer from the Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, Oliver Dowden, was convoluted, but seemingly positive. He said: “The 2015 Public Contract Regulations implemented the latest EU Public Procurement Directive, and require public bodies to exclude suppliers from a procurement where the supplier has been found guilty of breaching its obligations in relation to payment of taxes…

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Dec 15

Q&A with Fresh Eyes – People to People travel

Blogs

We talk to Fresh Eyes – People to People Travel about their Fair Tax Mark Why did you apply for the Fair Tax Mark? Fresh Eyes – People to People Travel is committed to just, fair and responsible travel that is transparent and accountable. Fresh Eyes believes that it is essential for travellers, tour operators, host communities and suppliers, to know who pays what and receives what, throughout the supply chain. This is an essential foundation to fairer and more sustainable travel.   Fresh Eyes operates a Just Price policy and works directly with local producers and suppliers to build fair,…

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Oct 04

A summer of growth and change

Blogs

Busy, busy, busy The summer of 2017 was the busiest yet here at the Fair Tax Mark. Not only did we announce four new Fair Tax Mark certifications in the shape of The Eighth Day, Achilles Accounting, PIRC and Dulas; but, we progressed a host of re-certifications, including the Co-operative Group, Unicorn Grocery, Scotmid, Staffline, Marshalls, Radstock and Unlimited Potential. It’s a source of great pride to us that every business that has secured Fair Tax Mark accreditation has returned and pursued re-certification afresh the following year. Which goes some way to explaining why we are seeing so much interest…

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Feb 23

Why Richer Sounds cares about fair tax

Blogs

Richer Sounds, the award-winning high street retailer, is Fair Tax Mark accredited. Here, they explain why they care about fair tax. Why did Richer Sounds apply for the Fair Tax Mark? Unlike certain internet giants (and others), Richer Sounds is a British company, paying British taxes, proud to be supporting the British economy and high street (with a warehouse in Manchester, not in Jersey or Luxembourg). At Richer Sounds, we believe that our company has several areas of responsibility. We are determined to provide our colleagues with secure, well-paid jobs in a stimulating equal opportunities environment, which includes banning zero…

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Jan 30

In January 2016, in partnership with Christian Aid, we launched the Sourced campaign … and we won!

Blogs

What’s the campaign about? Sourced is about using ‘sourcing’ processes – where local councils choose which businesses to use for goods and services – to encourage fair tax practices. What do local councils have to do with fair tax? Councils in England alone spend £45 billion a year buying goods and services from companies. They choose who gets the contracts, which means they’re a powerful force to encourage fair tax practices. They can tell businesses how they should behave – and make sure the money goes to those doing the right thing. That’s why, with the support of the Joffe…

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Dec 13
View of Edunburgh

Q&A with Crunchers Edinburgh

Blogs

Crunchers Edinburgh is a Scottish accountancy practice specialising in small businesses. We talk to Director Hamish Sheppard about why they gained the Fair Tax Mark… What made you apply for the FTM? I think there’s a real groundswell of opinion away from businesses trying to get an artificially low tax bill, and instead, people are realising there’s a moral obligation to get their tax right. The Fair Tax Mark seemed like a positive solution to this, providing an incentive for companies who want to do the right thing. I heard about the Mark through Crunchers South London which accredited a couple…

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Oct 11
Staff outside Unicorn Grocery

Q&A with Unicorn Grocery

Blogs

Unicorn Grocery is Manchester’s foremost co-operative grocery business, selling a wide range of affordable, fresh and wholesome food. They were named the Soil Association’s Best Independent Retailer of 2016 and are proud to have added the Fair Tax Mark to their awards. On why they applied for the Fair Tax Mark We applied for the Mark because we are committed to paying our fair share of tax. It feels quite strange applying to be accredited for something that’s so obviously the right and honest thing to do, but unfortunately that doesn’t mean it always happens. We hope that in the…

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Sep 06
Damion Viney, Crunchers South London

Q&A with Crunchers South London

Blogs

Crunchers South London were the first accountancy practice to achieve the Fair Tax Mark. We talk to their director Damion Viney about why they chose to get the Fair Tax Mark. What made you apply for the Fair Tax Mark? As an accountant, I’m highly aware of the importance of taxation. I’d been following the various ethical issues around it for a while, including reading Nicholas Shaxson’s acclaimed book, Treasure Islands, and I had become very concerned. I thought there was a great need for a tax-related equivalent of the Fairtrade Mark: a clear cut way for companies to say…

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Sep 06
Steph Gray, Managing Director, Helpful Technology

Q&A with Helpful Technology

Blogs

Helpful Technology is a digital development company, working with a wide range of clients across the public sector and private businesses. We talk to Managing Director Steph Gray about why applied for the Fair Tax Mark. Why did you apply for the Fair Tax Mark? I heard of the Fair Tax Mark through one of our suppliers, Bytemark Hosting and thought it sounded like a great way to demonstrate transparency and support for the idea that businesses paying their share of tax is a good thing for society. Since I set up the firm, I’ve tried to establish a set of…

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Jun 28

Q&A with The 8th Day

Blogs

The 8th Day is one of Manchester’s longest running worker co-operatives. Since the 1970s, it’s been providing quality food and goods. Its growing business now includes a well-loved cafe and events programme. Why did you apply for the Fair Tax Mark? We applied for the mark because as a business that makes an effort to trade in a more ethical way, we have a commitment to set a good example with our business practices and this includes being open and transparent about our tax affairs. What benefits do you believe having the Fair Tax Mark will bring your business? It’s very…

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