Scotmid Co-operative have been awarded the Fair Tax Mark, the UK’s only certification for businesses behaving responsibly on corporation tax, for the second consecutive year.
Scotmid is part of a growing list of household names/businesses/organisations that proudly display the Fair Tax Mark, including Lush Cosmetics, The Co-operative Group and FTSE 100 listed SSE plc which collectively provide around 4,500 Fair Tax Mark outlets.
The Fair Tax Mark is the world’s first certification scheme for businesses who want to be certain they’re behaving responsibly on tax.
The public has an increased interest in identifying which companies they can rely on to pay their fair share in tax. By analysing company accounts and reporting, and supporting them to improve their practices, the Fair Tax Mark is changing the face of corporation tax and serving consumers’ appetite for better options in the process.
Scotmid Co-operative is Scotland’s largest independent co-operative and has been at the heart of Scottish communities since 1859.
Scotmid operates over 350 retail outlets across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Customers concerned about tax avoidance can shop with confidence at any of the Scotmid businesses, which includes food convenience stores, Post Offices, Semichem and Scotmid Co-operative Funerals.
Richard Livings, Project Manager of the Fair Tax Mark said: “We are delighted that Scotmid have again been awarded a Fair Tax Mark. This clearly demonstrates a real commitment to reporting their finances in an open and transparent way. Achieving a Fair Tax Mark reassures Scotmid’s members and customers that their tax practices are at the leading edge of best practice.”
“Recent scandals where companies have been exposed as tax avoiders have resulted in boycotts and outrage. The Fair Tax Mark is a positive way for consumers to easily identify responsible businesses; companies that pay what they should, not what they can get away with.”
John Dalley, Chief Financial Officer of Scotmid Co-operative (pictured), said: “To receive the certificate for a second year in a row is pleasing recognition for the Society and highlights our continued commitment to good practice.
“Scotmid believes the Fair Tax Mark is important and a as a responsible co-operative it fits with our core values and principles.”
Harry Cairney, President of Scotmid Co-operative said “Achieving the Fair Tax Mark was a satisfying feat and to repeat it again this year is something to be extremely proud of.
“As one of the UKs leading Co-operatives we continually strive to be open, honest and transparent in everything we do – carrying on the Society’s original principles and ethos.
“Recognition of achieving the Fair Tax Mark is testament to the continued excellent work of our team and gives further confidence to our members, customers, suppliers and staff in the way that we do business.”