Scotmid awarded the Fair Tax Mark

Scotmid has joined other co-operatives to become one of the retailers awarded the Fair Tax Mark. Initially launched in 2014, the mark is the world’s first certification scheme for businesses behaving responsibly around tax.

Twenty-one organisations have so far been awarded the mark, including the Co-operative Group, the Midcounties Co-operative, Co-operatives UK, the Phone Co-op, the Radstock Co-operative, East of England Co-operative and the Co-operative Party.

Parliament debates Fair Tax Mark pioneered by co-ops

In order to be awarded the mark, enterprises need to show that they are paying the right amount of tax, at the right time, in the right place. Another criterion used by the Fair Tax Mark team is whether a business is transparent about who owns it, what it does and where it is.

Emily Kenway, programme director at the Fair Tax Mark said: “In the aftermath of the Panama Papers, there has never been a better moment for companies to respond to the growing public demand for responsible corporate tax behaviour. We are delighted that Scotmid are showing leadership on this issue, which has consistently polled highest in surveys of consumer concern.

Harry Cairney, president of Scotmid Co-operative said: “As one of the UK’s leading co-operatives we continually strive to be open, honest and transparent in everything we do. Achieving the Fair Tax Mark is a clear indication that we practice what we preach. As president of the society, I am proud of the team behind this achievement which will give further confidence to our members, customers, suppliers and staff in the way that we do business.”