Cerelia UK Ltd (trading as Bakeaway) Tax Strategy
The company is committed to adhering to the UK's statutory tax obligations, and complies with the UK's requirements under paragraph 22, Schedule 19 of the Finance Act 2016 in the current financial year, being the year ended 30 June 2024. This strategy outlines our approach to tax planning, risk management, relationships with tax authorities, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Approach to Risk Management and Governance
The tax risks for Cerelia UK Ltd include tax compliance, tax collection and reporting, reputational and changes to legislation. These risks are managed by proactively identifying and assessing them. Where risks are identified the finance team, supported by external advisors where necessary, adopt appropriate measures or adjustments to business practices to ensure compliance with all tax obligations.
The Board are involved in annually reviewing and updating our tax strategy to reflect any changes in UK tax law, international tax developments, and the evolving needs of our business tax compliance and reporting.
We maintain accurate, timely, and complete tax records and file all required tax returns to meet UK tax compliance obligations including those relating to intercompany transactions. Our finance function also ensures that the UK company's tax compliance is fully integrated with the wider group's international operations to ensure consistent global compliance.
Tax Planning
Cerelia UK Ltd engages in responsible tax planning that is consistent with our commercial objectives and group-wide tax policy. The company seeks to utilise available tax reliefs, incentives, and exemptions provided by UK law, but does not engage in aggressive tax planning or artificial transactions. All tax planning decisions are underpinned by genuine commercial substance and are aligned with the group’s long-term business strategy.
Cerelia UK will seek internal or external tax advice from advisors and HMRC as far as appropriate on unusual or significant transactions to ensure that it is operating in line with the tax legislation and any policy guidance in respect of all taxes.
Relationship with HMRC
Cerelia UK Ltd supports the Government’s efforts to tackle tax evasion and is committed to full cooperation with HMRC by maintaining a transparent and constructive relationship. We are also committed to full cooperation with HMRC in all dealings and ensure that our tax returns are filed accurately and on time. In cases where there is uncertainty in tax law or its application, we proactively seek clarification from HMRC to ensure compliance. Any tax disputes or enquiries are managed transparently and with full disclosure, seeking to resolve matters in a timely and collaborative manner.
Risk Appetite
Cerelia UK Ltd adopts a low-risk approach to tax. While we seek to optimise our tax position where commercially appropriate, we do not engage in high-risk or aggressive tax planning. The company’s approach to tax aligns with the broader corporate values of the group, emphasising ethical behaviour, compliance, and sustainable business practices. Tax risks are carefully assessed and mitigated, and the company seeks external advice where necessary to ensure tax positions taken are consistent with UK law and international tax standards.
Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility
As a key component of the Cerelia Group, Cerelia UK Ltd understands the importance of sustainability and corporate responsibility, which extends to our approach to tax. We recognize that paying our fair share of tax contributes to the wider economy and supports the communities in which we operate. Our tax strategy is aligned with the group’s overall commitment to corporate social responsibility, ensuring that we meet not only our legal obligations but also our broader ethical responsibilities.
