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Vita Group Holdings Tax Strategy: 2025

Vita Group Holdings Ltd (“VGH”, “the Group”) is a privately owned holding company of the businesses which fall under the Vita Student, Vita Living, Union and other residential brands.

The Group owns/manages c.30 properties, building communities for the lives of our thousands of residents through the quality of the building, the thriving community created or our ground-breaking technology. Vita Group is focused on expanding the Vita Student brand internationally both in terms of student residences and its sales and marketing functions.

The Group takes its tax responsibilities seriously and is committed to full compliance and disclosure of all statutory obligations to tax authorities.

Scope

The Board of VGH have ultimate responsibility for the Group Tax Strategy and compliance of the strategy, who ensure that all decisions made remain within this framework and that tax is a key consideration of key business decisions.

Day to day responsibility of the Group tax affairs is delegated to the Tax Director, who reports to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). A tax update is provided to the Board at least once a year, together with updates through the year on any significant risks or developments.

The Group’s Chief Purpose Officer oversees an overall Group risk management framework, for which the tax risk register forms a part.

Tax risk management and governance

The Group is committed to full compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and reporting obligations.

A tax risk framework is used for any planning or advisory decisions. Similarly, a tax risk register is reviewed twice a year as routine, in addition to a review of any specific risks should these arise due to changes in internal or external factors. In each case close attention is paid to a continual review of identifying opportunities for improvement.

A risk-based approach is also taken in terms of financial accounting and regular communication takes place with the finance team. The tax team takes a proactive approach to communication across the group, ensuring a regular dialogue with finance, legal and commercial colleagues.

Tax compliance

The Group produces accurate and complete returns – the foundations of which are built on a robust risk-based compliance process. The Group utilises any statutory tax reliefs which are available to the Group.

Tax risks are minimised as far as possible through controls and processes, regular communication and ongoing training and development in-line with the risk review process. Any tax developments in legislation, guidance or case law that may impact the business are communicated to the relevant stakeholders.

Tax planning

The tax implications of all major transactions are reviewed and documented in advance by the Vita tax team, with appropriate support from external advisors when required. External tax advisors are chosen on the basis of knowledge, experience and reputation in a particular field of tax.

Tax planning decisions are taken, and documented, within a prescribed framework which considers HMRC guidance and legislation, together with any impact on the Group’s reputational risk and corporate and social responsibilities.

The Group are fully open, honest and transparent with tax authorities with regards to any tax planning undertaken.

Relationship with HMRC

The Group has an open relationship with HMRC and discloses all relevant facts, particularly regarding any areas of uncertain tax treatment. There is a timely response provided by the Group to any enquiries raised by HMRC, and any inadvertent errors which are discovered are fully disclosed on a timely basis to HMRC.

This strategy applies to the Vita Group Holdings Ltd group of companies in accordance with Paragraph 16, Part 2 Schedule 19 Finance Act 2016 for the year ended 31 December 2024 and subsequent periods.

Place & Community

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Place & Community

Create thriving communities, a principle which has been with us from the very start, it’s simply not good enough to create a building without thinking carefully about its context and the wider impact it has on its surrounding neighbourhood. We’re driven to create communities within communities as well as respond to and complement the neighbourhood and its eco-system. Creating tomorrow’s city living means we must be part of the DNA of that city and partnering with local authorities. This includes connecting with local suppliers, talent, charities, and businesses, collaborating on important community initiatives and helping to develop surrounding spaces. It’s not just about helping to regenerate cities; it’s helping them to function effectively.

Society

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Society

We know that in helping to create tomorrow’s cities, we have a responsibility to have the best possible impact on society as a whole. As such, we won’t be afraid to challenge those things which just don’t sit right. So don’t be surprised to see us take a knee at the start of a sporting event, celebrate key religious holidays, and fly the rainbow flag for pride. To create a better tomorrow, we must stand together today.

Environment

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Environment

To really effect change and create a platform in which cities thrive, we know we need to look beyond building design, carbon creation and energy usage. We must tackle bigger issues and help change behaviours, as such we’re creating initiatives which help users across the platform understand the role they can play in reducing our impact on the world.

Sustainable Operations

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Sustainable Operations

Continually reduce our use of the planet’s valuable resources, working towards net-zero carbon, sourcing green energies and reducing non-recyclable waste.

Building Design

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Building Design

Building design – create a harmonic balance between buildings, the environment and their users. Constantly looking at ways we can improve efficiency (reducing U and Y values), reduce embodied carbon through production whilst ensuring wellbeing through design and innovation to create high performing buildings which enable their occupants to live more healthily and productively. It includes elements such as air quality, sustainable construction and amenities.

Governance

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Governance

Applying best practice and the highest standards and ethics to everything we do. From how we manage personal data to how we conduct our business in every aspect of the corporate and consumer realm. Our policies and practices ensure we’re constantly reviewing, auditing and ensuring statutory compliance and principled integrity. We are guided by best-in-class professional advisory firms in developing and reviewing our corporate policies, as well as following national guidance on health and safety and sector-specific codes of practice to ensure we maintain the state of the art.

Welfare & Wellbeing

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Welfare & Wellbeing

Provide a welfare and wellbeing care package for all our people to access. Ensure every resident feels welcome, is part of the community and has the best possible opportunity to thrive incorporating physical and mental wellbeing. This includes constantly evolving our services such as the duty of care charter, onboarding events, our state-of-the-art gyms and free to use bikes.

Talent

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Talent

Create a culture and environment which allows our colleagues to thrive. We recruit the very best people and give them the opportunity to be better. From our fair pay policies and flexible working, to personal development programmes, life shaping experiences, and inclusive recruitment, everyone has the best opportunity to thrive.