Corporate Social Responsibility
MODERN SLAVERY ACT STATEMENT
INTRODUCTION
We, at Talon, want to ensure that we do our part to contribute to a kinder, fairer and just planet. This policy outlines our commitment to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place in our own business. We have an expectation of the partners within our supply chains to ensure that they do the same and Talon will not knowingly engage with any person or organisation suspected of being involved in modern slavery or human trafficking in any form.
OUR BUSINESS
Talon is an independent specialist media agency operating in the out-of-home advertising sector. We work with a variety of partners such as advertisers, advertising agencies and media owners to deliver industry leading advertising campaigns across a range of formats. We have offices in London, New York, Dublin as well as a number of other international locations from where we provide services across international markets.
RESPONSIBILITY
Talon’s values of human, bold and smart demonstrate our respect for human rights and the dignity of people.
We continuously take steps to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in our organisation or in our supply chain and we use our People Handbook and training modules to remind everyone of our approach to modern slavery. Whilst Talon provides services and does not itself produce or manufacture goods, we recognise that modern slavery is everybody’s responsibility.
OUR SUPPLY CHAIN
Whilst we cannot control the actions of other businesses, we have established strong, long-term relationships across our entire supply chain and expect our partners who work with us to have appropriate anti-slavery and human trafficking policies and processes in place.
We understand that modern slavery is not a static issue and therefore we are committed to continuing our efforts to raise awareness of the impact of slavery.
POLICIES
Talon has clear policies and practices in place which demonstrate our commitment to help protect individuals from exploitation. Our People Handbook includes policies outlining our stance on Human Rights, Anti-Bribery, Whistleblowing and our Business Conduct Standards.
TRAINING
Upon joining Talon employees will be required to complete mandatory Modern Slavery training within the first 3 months of their employment. Existing employees will be required to complete this training on an annual basis. Employees will be notified of any changes to this policy.
SINCE WE LAST REVIEWED our Modern Slavery Act statement:
In line with our legal obligations, we ensure our website contains the latest copy of our Modern Slavery Act statement. In addition to this, we review our People Handbook and the Handbook for Contractors regularly to ensure compliance with requirements set out in the Modern Slavery Act 2015. To ensure our staff are effectively trained and are able to identify any form of modern slavery and human trafficking and help combat it, we regularly review our training programme and look to bolster our offering at every opportunity, be that formally or informally.
This statement is published in accordance with the Modern Slavery act 2015 for the year ended 31 December 2023 and will be reviewed by the Board of Directors and updated on an annual basis. This statement is approved by the Board of Directors and signed by Eric Newnham, Group CEO.
Talon Group Tax Strategy December 2023
Canis Topco Limited is the ultimate UK parent company of the Talon Outdoor group (“Talon”). This strategy applies to Canis Topco Limited and all of its subsidiary companies and covers all UK taxes.
Talon 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 2023.
This tax strategy has been approved by the Board of Talon and continues to be reviewed annually. As such Talon considers that its obligations under Paragraph 22(2) Schedule 19 FA 2016 in the year ending 31 December 2023 have been met.
Talon is a pioneering, independently owned, global Out of Home agency serving brands, advertisers and media partners with offices in the UK, US, Ireland, UAE and Singapore.
Talon’s 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. Talon has a low tolerance to tax risk as demonstrated by its attitude to tax planning and governance.
Talon operates under the following principles:
- We comply with all relevant tax law, reporting and regulatory requirements.
- We interpret relevant tax laws in a way that is consistent with a relationship of co-operative compliance with tax authorities.
- We only engage in tax planning aligned to our commercial and economic activity that does not lead to any abusive result.
- We may appropriately utilise and claim available tax incentives and exemptions.
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 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:
- Transactional risk – this includes actions taken in respect of transactions without consideration of potential tax implications, or where tax advice is not appropriately implemented.
- Tax compliance risk – this includes late filing or incorrect tax returns, failure to submit claims and elections on time, and late payment of taxes.
- Reputational risk – this includes the impact on our relationships with shareholders, customers, tax authorities, and the public.
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.
Talon has identified its Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) and has utilised external tax advisors to review the processes that the SAO has in place to ensure that Talon’s tax procedures are appropriate.
Collaborative working with HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”)
Talon 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.
Transparency and tax evasion
- We support the UK Government’s adoption of the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting recommendations.
- We do not tolerate tax evasion or the facilitation of tax evasion by any persons acting for or on behalf of Talon.