Updated: 30/12/2020
Orchestra Topco Limited is the ultimate UK parent company of the CH & Co group (“CH & Co”).
CH & Co continues to review its key tax procedures on an ongoing basis and publishes its tax strategy in accordance with measures contained in Schedule 19 of Finance Act 2016, paragraph 16(2). This strategy is effective for year ending 31 December 2020.
This tax strategy has been approved by the Board of CH & Co and continues to be reviewed annually. As such CH&Co considers that its obligations under Paragraph 22(2) Schedule 19 FA 2016 in the year ending 31 December 2020 have been met.
CH&Co are an independent hospitality caterer providing catering and service solutions to a diverse range of customers. The group employs more than 6,200 people and operates in the following sectors: Workplaces, Destinations, Events, Venues, Livery and Education. Predominantly a UK based business, with commercial operations also in the Republic of Ireland, CH&Co now operate at over 750 locations across both jurisdictions.
CH & Co approach to tax
We take a responsible and sustainable approach in relation to our tax obligations, as we understand the importance of the taxes we pay in supporting the various communities that we operate in.
CH & Co operate under the following principles:
Governance and management of tax risk
The Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) takes overall responsibility for the management of tax risk. On a day-to-day basis, tax risks are managed by the group finance team.
The Board, updated as appropriate by the CFO, exercises oversight of tax risk management and governance primarily through discussions at the monthly Board meetings. These meetings incorporate key tax information and issues arising within the business, or externally that could impact the business, for example upcoming legislative changes.
The group’s key tax risks include:
We manage these risks by utilising suitably qualified and experienced finance team members and specialist external tax advisors, to prepare and file tax returns and also advise on areas of uncertainty. Oversight of advisors is provided by our finance team, including the CFO.
Although the business operations have, like many businesses, been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic this year, the impact on tax governance and compliance has been minimal and CH&Co has been able to continue to meet its tax and reporting obligations throughout the year.
Collaborative working with HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”)
CH& Co is committed to acting with integrity at all times and to maintaining a transparent, open and honest relationship with HMRC.
We proactively engage with HMRC to disclose and resolve issues as they arise.
CH & Co has considered the Framework for Cooperative Compliance published by HMRC in , which addresses the relationship between large business and HMRC and promotes best practice in tax governance.
We are committed to the following principles set out in the Framework and have aligned our tax strategy accordingly:
Transparency and tax evasion