Tax Strategy of DPDgroup UK

November 2019

Scope

This strategy covers all DPDgroup UK companies (see appendix). References to DPD in this document apply to all the companies listed.

This strategy applies from the date of publication until it is superseded.

References to tax are to the taxes and duties set out in paragraph 15(1) of Schedule 19 to the Finance Act 2016. These include Corporation Tax, PAYE, NIC, VAT, Insurance Premium Tax and Stamp Duty Land Tax.

Aim

DPD is committed to full compliance with all statutory obligations and full disclosure to tax authorities.

Governance in relation to UK taxation

Ultimate responsibility for DPD's tax strategy and compliance rests with the Board of DPD. The Executive Director of Finance who is also DPD's Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) is the Executive responsible for tax matters. The SAO's requirement is to monitor the integrity of DPD's financial reporting system, internal controls and risk management framework includes those elements relating to taxation. The Board and SAO ensure that DPD's tax strategy is one of the factors considered in all significant business decisions taken.

The Financial Controller (FC) is responsible for the Management of DPD's tax affairs. The FC is responsible for the Finance department and ensures it is staffed with appropriately qualified individuals. The Financial Accounting Manager (FAM) manages the Company's tax affairs on a day to day basis and reports to the FC and the SAO on DPD's tax affairs and risks throughout the year.

Risk Management

DPD operates a system of tax risk assessment and control as a component of an overall internal control framework applicable to the company's reporting system.

DPD seeks to reduce the level of tax risk arising from its operations as far as reasonably practical by ensuring that reasonable care is applied in relation to all processes which could materially affect its compliance with its tax obligations.

Processes relating to different taxes are allocated to appropriate process owners, who carry out reviews of activities and processes to identify key risks and the mitigating controls in place. These key risks are monitored for business and legislative changes which may impact them. Changes to processes or controls are made when required.

Appropriate training is carried out for staff who manage or process matters which have tax implications.

Advice is sought from external advisors where appropriate. This could be when there is a change in tax law that may affect the company or when there is a business change that has tax implications. Advice is also sought when an area of tax law is open to interpretation.

Attitude towards tax planning and level of risk

DPD manages risk to ensure compliance with legal requirements in a manner which ensures payment of the right amount of tax at the right time.

When entering into commercial transactions, DPD seeks to take advantage of tax incentives, reliefs and exemptions in line with and in the spirit of, tax legislation. DPD does not undertake tax planning unrelated to commercial transactions.

The level of risk which DPD accepts in relation to UK taxation is consistent with its overall objective of achieving certainty in the company's tax affairs.

At all times DPD seeks to comply fully with regulatory and other obligations and to act in a way which upholds its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.

In relation to any specific issue the board is ultimately responsible for identifying the risks, including tax risks which need to be addressed and for determining what actions should be taken to manage those risks having regard to the materiality of the amounts and obligations in question.

Relationship with HMRC

DPD seeks to have a transparent and constructive relationship with HMRC through regular meetings and communications.

DPD ensures that HMRC is kept aware of significant transactions and changes in the business and seeks to discuss any tax issues arising at an early stage.

When submitting tax computations and returns to HMRC, DPD discloses all relevant facts and identifies any transactions or issues where it considers that there is potential for the tax treatment to be uncertain.

All inadvertent errors in submissions made to HMRC are fully disclosed as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been identified.

 

Appendix

DPDgroup UK includes the following companies:

Company Name	Registered Number
GEOPOST HOLDINGS LIMITED	4097293
GEOPOST INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS LIMITED	2153355
DPDGROUP UK LTD	732993
INTERLINK EXPRESS PLC	1978237
DPD LOCAL UK LTD	1421773
MAIL PLUS LIMITED	5084682
PARCELINE LIMITED	4130503
DPD (UK) LIMITED	2906891
DYNAMIC PARCEL DISTRIBUTION (UK) LIMITED	1034680
GEOPOST UK LIMITED	5607184
INTERLINK EXPRESS PARCELS LIMITED	2257616
PIE MAPPING SOFTWARE LIMITED	10441546

All the above companies except where noted:
Registered Office: Roebuck Lane, Smethwick, West Midlands, B66 1BY
Registered in England and Wales
VAT number 754532232