Software solutions business Viva IT secures the Fair Tax Mark

Viva IT has today secured its first Fair Tax Mark accreditation, and joins the growing movement of responsible businesses that have achieved the gold standard of responsible tax conduct.

Viva IT is a software development company creating bespoke software solutions, as well as Apollo Launchpad, their next generation platform for fintechs, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), credit unions and other financial organisations.

“We’re delighted that Viva IT has secured the Fair Tax Mark for the first time. As part of the accreditation process, Viva IT has published a Fair Tax Mark Statement, which includes a Tax Policy explicitly shunning the use of tax havens and the use of allowances and reliefs in ways that are contrary to the spirit of the law.”- said Greg Yates, our Senior Accreditations Manager.

We talked to Kiel Goodman, Director of Viva IT, about their accreditation.

What motivated you to secure the Fair Tax Mark accreditation?

“We were introduced to the Fair Tax Mark through a supplier, a company that shares our values, and also because we were offered a discount on their services if we sought our own accreditation. This B2B networking effect was a great way to spread the Foundation’s message and contribute positive change.

“Although we are a for-profit business, for the past 3 years at least, we have invested every penny of profit back in to grow and build our product, people and processes. This is crucial in any small business and as we become (slightly) larger we have the resources now to invest in accreditations to show how hard we have worked.”

How did you find the process?

“From our perspective it was reasonably painless. In 2020 we had already elected to file “full” accounts under FRS 102 to be more transparent to our stakeholders, this from the previous “micro” accounts which were a little thin. This meant we were already publishing a lot of the data to accredit us, however a few confirmatory statements were needed. After this, it was smooth sailing and what we expected overall. There is no reason for every company not to try to obtain the Mark, as it represents a solid commitment to social responsibility.”

Do you see responsible tax conduct as an important part of your ethics as a company?

“Our primary market is in the credit union, building society and CDFI space with our Apollo Launchpad product. We work very closely with our partners to improve financial inclusivity around the UK and how our company works in this space is critical. We are hard-working with our small and mighty UK team working with our client partners towards positive change, and it’s important to differentiate us from others in the space with offshore development teams, directors ‘remoting’ while reclining on a yacht in the Maldives or others that might have been snapped up by investors or mega-corps.

“As we grow and seek new challenges and staff, we ask all applicants in interviews what kind of company do they want to work in. Overwhelmingly we hear that these talented individuals want to work where their effort matters and where the company is playing ‘their part’. It cannot be ignored that in 2022 people have a choice where they want to invest their time and energy, and we would like to be the top of the list which is what this Mark demonstrates.”

The Fair Tax Mark accreditation scheme seeks to encourage and recognise businesses that pay the right amount of corporate income tax at the right time and in the right place.

Businesses carrying the Fair Tax Mark include brands such as Timpson, Lush, and Richer Sounds, FTSE listed companies such as SSE and Marshalls Plc., as well as co-operatives, family businesses and social enterprises.

Find out how your business can get accredited.