David Lloyd Leisure Tax Strategy
Financial year ended 31 December 2023
Introduction
We are Europe’s leading premium health and wellness group, and employ nearly 10,000 people. We are committed to appropriate tax governance as set out below.
Our tax strategy applies to all subsidiaries of the ultimate UK corporate parent Deuce Topco Limited (together “The Group”) from the date of publication until superseded. It is in accordance with paragraph 19 of Schedule 19 to the Finance Act 2016 and applies to the taxes and duties set out in paragraph 15(1) of that Schedule.
This tax strategy was published on 15th December 2023 and The Group regards this publication as complying with its duty under paragraph 16(2) Schedule 19 FA 2016 in its financial year ended 31st December 2023.
As a result of business activities throughout the UK and in mainland Europe, we pay (directly or indirectly) substantial and varied taxes including corporate income taxes, VAT and employment taxes in all jurisdictions as required.
Our tax strategy is underpinned by principles of full compliance, transparency, and sound risk management. We act lawfully and with integrity and, in our behaviour, we aspire to the highest professional and ethical standards.
Governance in relation to taxation
Ultimate responsibility for The Group’s tax strategy and compliance rests with The Board of Deuce Midco Limited (Deuce Topco Limited is a parent of Deuce Midco Limited), as delegated to the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”).
The CFO is the Board member with responsibility for tax matters, and day-to-day management of the tax affairs are delegated to the Head of Tax. The Group’s tax team is staffed with appropriately qualified individuals.
The Board ensures that The Group’s tax strategy is one of the factors considered in all significant business decisions.
Risk Management
We manage tax risks and tax costs in a manner consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and with shareholders’ best long-term interests, taking into account operational, economic, and reputational factors. We seek to reduce the level of tax risk arising from our operations as far as is reasonably practicable by ensuring that reasonable care is applied in relation to all processes which could materially affect compliance with our tax obligations.
Our approach to taxation is reviewed periodically in light of changes to:- The general business environment
- Our business operations
- Tax laws and regulations
- Emerging business and tax risks
We have established and maintain robust policies, compliance processes and controls to ensure the integrity of our tax returns and timely and accurate payment of tax. We maintain documented tax policies and procedures in relation to key tax processes and these are reviewed regularly.
Our processes, policies and governance operate to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations in the territories in which we operate and are designed to identify and mitigate material tax risks. In the event that applicable laws and regulations are subject to interpretation, we seek appropriate assurance regarding the position taken.
Attitude towards tax planning and level of risk
We manage tax risks to ensure compliance with legal requirements in a manner which ensures payment of the correct amount of tax. At all times we seek to comply fully with our regulatory and other obligations and to act in a way which upholds our reputation as a responsible corporate citizen. In relation to any specific issue or transaction, 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. The Group takes a balanced approach to tax risk and does not engage in arrangements that are designed solely to reduce tax liabilities.
When entering into commercial transactions, the Group may take advantage of available tax incentives, reliefs and exemptions in line with, and in the spirit of, tax legislation. We do not undertake tax planning unrelated to such commercial transactions.
Relationship with Tax Authorities including HMRC
We seek to develop and maintain professional, transparent, and constructive relationships with all tax authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate, based upon mutual trust and respect. Where appropriate we ensure there is access to relevant information demonstrating the integrity of our tax processes, returns and payments.
We ensure that the relevant tax authorities are kept aware of significant transactions and changes in the business, and we discuss any tax issues arising at an early stage. When submitting tax computations and returns to HMRC, we disclose all relevant facts and identify any transactions or issues where The Group considers that there is potential for the tax treatment to be uncertain.
Any inadvertent errors in submissions made are fully disclosed to the relevant tax authority as soon as reasonably practicable after they are identified.