Should the Archbishop tell firms to pay their taxes?

Well done Linda!

It seems the ethical business question is becoming a hot topic looking at the Beeb this morning.

In a survey, the Forum of Private Business (FPB) found that over three-quarters of respondents think big firms put profits before ethical standards.

Tax avoidance, treatment of suppliers, and late payment were all areas of concern, the ComRes poll of 2,000 people found.

Politicians must stand up for people who play by the rules, the FPB said.

The survey also found that 74% of respondents agreed that the majority of big businesses have no concern for small business owners in the UK.

Big firms face crisis of trust - BBC News

I think it can be frustrating running a small business, knowing you are whiter than white when it comes to HMRC and playing by the rules, when you hear all this talk of tax avoidance and shady practices going on.

I see this morning HSBC has been caught out helping super wealthy clients in tax avoidance by an internal whistle blower, which is set to cause some embarrassing questions from HMRC, as they were made aware of this apparently in 2010 but have only prosecuted 1 person.

Still not convinced personally religious leaders should be getting embroiled in what is going to be a key political debate, in the run up to a general election. But it looks like we are going to hear a lot more about this and won't be surprised when other banks are found to have been helping out tax avoidance for select clients.

Reference previous Disney comments, can highly recommend the book, Disney War about the downfall of Michael Eisner, Disney Chairman and CEO. Fascinating read, shatters the myth of a warm cosy Disney image and gives the inside story of a bitter boardroom battle, powerplay how to nearly destroy a corporation. Certainly wouldn't take any business advice from Disney