Inspiring Change: Fair Tax Week

Published: 30/05/2024

Did you know Suma was a member of the Fair Tax Mark scheme? That means we agree to be open and transparent about the tax we pay and to pay all the tax we should, without any sneaky accountants helping us tweak the rules. Alright, let’s have a chat about why it’s so important for Suma as a co-operative business to be a member of the Fair Tax Mark scheme. Grab a cuppa and settle in, because this is about more than just taxes – it’s about integrity, community, and a dash of good old-fashioned fairness.

First off, let’s tackle the basics. The Fair Tax Mark is a beacon of transparency and ethical tax practices. In a world where tax dodging seems to be an Olympic sport for some big corporations, proudly displaying that Fair Tax Mark is like wearing a badge of honour. It says to your customers, members, and the wider public: “We play by the rules, and we’re proud of it.”

For a co-operative, which is fundamentally about working together and serving the community, this is especially important. Co-operatives are built on principles of democracy, equality, and solidarity. They exist to benefit their members and the communities they serve, not to line the pockets of distant shareholders. So, being a part of the Fair Tax Mark scheme aligns perfectly with these values. It’s a public declaration that Suma is committed to doing the right thing by everyone, not just those at the top. In fact, we don’t have a ‘top’ – everyone is equal here. We get paid the same and we all help run our business.

Let’s not forget about trust. In today’s climate, where every other headline is about some scandal or another, trust is a rare and precious commodity. When a business has the Fair Tax Mark, it’s like a seal of approval. It reassures folks that you’re trustworthy and that your finances are above board.

Now, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty – tax contributions. Taxes fund the essential services we all rely on, from the NHS to schools to public transport. When businesses pay their fair share of tax, they’re directly contributing to the well-being of their communities. This is especially poignant for co-ops because their roots are often deeply intertwined with the local area. It’s a virtuous circle: the community supports the co-op, and the co-op, in turn, supports the community through both its business activities and its tax contributions.

Also, let’s not overlook the benefits for Suma. For our workers and members, knowing that we’re committed to ethical tax practices fosters a sense of pride and engagement. It aligns with the democratic ethos of co-operatives, where members have a say in how the business is run and can take pride in its achievements and values.

Finally, there’s the broader message it sends. By being a part of the Fair Tax Mark scheme, we are standing up and being counted as part of a movement for greater corporate responsibility and fairness. It’s a pushback against the often murky world of corporate tax avoidance, and it’s a statement that Suma believes in contributing positively to society.

So, in a nutshell, being a member of the Fair Tax Mark scheme is about staying true to the co-operative principles, building trust, gaining a competitive edge, supporting your community, and fostering internal pride. It’s a win-win, really – doing the right thing and reaping the benefits. Now, isn’t that something worth chatting about?