This tax strategy applies to the year ending 31st December 2024 and has been approved by the Board of Directors.
All references to Tax include all forms of direct and indirect taxation paid by the Group including VAT, Corporation Tax, and all Payroll taxes.
As a business Partridge of Hampshire has one main BMW motor vehicle dealership a Bodyshop and a vehicle preparation centre. All of these sites are located geographically within the UK.
The Group is committed to:
- Following all applicable laws and regulations relating to its tax activities.
- Ensuring that the tax strategy adopted is consistent with the Group’s overall strategy, which is risk averse. Commercial needs will not override compliance with applicable laws.
Our approach to tax risk management and governance arrangements
The group is committed to applying diligence and care in our tax compliance processes and procedures and ensuring that tax governance is appropriate, with accountability for the tax strategy resting with the Managing Director of the Group. Responsibility for, and delivery of, tax compliance, tax risk management and the tax strategy rests with the Financial Controller who holds the role of Senior Accounting Officer and holds an appropriate professional qualification. The Financial Controller reports directly to the Managing Director and the Board.
The Group Finance team is led by the Financial Controller who ensures members of the team have the appropriate qualifications and level of experience that reflects the job function they undertake. All systems and controls employed by the Group such as segregation of duties, second level review and authorisation are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
The Group uses Accounting and payroll software that are typically industry standard and are recognised by HM Revenue and Customs.
Tax risk management is supported by how we work with our tax advisors. Corporation tax compliance is outsourced to BDO LLP, who also provide support in relation to employment tax and VAT compliance. The Group meets with advisors on a regular basis which ensures the business stays up to date with relevant tax legislation and any such changes. Where there is uncertainty in how the relevant tax law should be applied, we seek external advice from our tax, accounting, and legal advisors. All of which we ensure are qualified, respected and reputable firms which are suitably experienced to provide us with the required level of professionalism.
Risk assessments will be made for all significant business transactions which may affect tax compliance.
Our attitude towards tax planning
Our tax strategy and policies aim to ensure the Group fully complies with all appropriate UK tax law. The Group has a low risk policy with regard to taxation and as such we seek only to engage with tax planning, for example, utilising available statutory reliefs, where it reflects our business and commercial strategy and which aligns with the intentions of Parliament.
The Group does not enter artificial arrangements that lack commercial purpose in order to secure a tax advantage. Specifically, the Group does not undertake any tax planning which HM Revenue and customs consider to be aggressive, and the Group is not involved in the implementation of any schemes which are notifiable under the Disclosure of Tax Avoidance Schemes (DOTAS) legislation.
The level of risk we are prepared to accept
The Group has a low appetite for tax risk and where there is any uncertainty, we escalate within our tax governance structure and consult with our tax advisors to mitigate, manage or eliminate tax risk.
Approach towards dealings with HMRC
The Group is committed to the principles of openness and transparency in its approach to dealing with HMRC, and in particular the Group commits to adopt an open, honest and professional relationship with HMRC at all times.
The Group will make fair, accurate and timely disclosure in correspondence and returns, and respond to queries and information requests in a timely fashion.