High Street retailer Lush demonstrates commitment to tax transparency

The Fair Tax Mark is pleased to announce that Lush has been recertified as a Fair Tax Mark business for a fifth successive year.

Hilary Jones, Ethics Director, Lush said: “As a company we feel that we should contribute back to the societies from which we trade by being a good employer, by trading fairly with our suppliers and by paying our taxes into the collective purse.

“We’re proud to have the Fair Tax Mark and to check ourselves against an independent benchmark so we know we’re operating in a fair and transparent way.”

Paul Monaghan, Chief Executive, Fair Tax Mark, said: “It is estimated that £400bn of global corporate profits are shifted annually to tax havens, with corporate tax revenue losses in the UK of approximately £7bn per annum. That should be of huge concern to us all.

“We’re delighted to have been able to recertify Lush for a fifth year. Their commitment to open and transparent tax reporting is exemplar, particularly as they operate across many different countries. It’s refreshing to see a business that demonstrates its brand values in a meaningful way.

Lush is part of a growing movement of businesses that are demonstrating their commitment to tax transparency. Other Fair Tax Mark accredited businesses include Richer Sounds, Pennon Group, Leeds Building Society, Timpson Group, SSE and the Co-op. Their commitment to tax transparency helps consumers understand more about their tax practises and make informed spending decisions.

Paul Monaghan continued: “Tax plays a crucial role in holding the whole tax system together – helping to counter financial inequalities and rebalance distorted economies. Which is why it’s so important that more businesses step forward and say what they pay with pride.

“Too often we read headlines about businesses using loopholes and tax-havens to aggressively avoid contributing what they owe. It’s right that we celebrate those organisations who operate responsibly when it comes to tax.”