Terms of Use

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About us

This website is controlled and operated by Iris Nation Worldwide Limited (referred to in these terms of use as "Iris", "we", "us" or "our"). Iris is a limited liability company registered in England and Wales, company registration number 5690081. Our registered office address is: 10 Queen St Pl, London EC4R 1BE, United Kingdom and our VAT number is: 902 1920 63.

How to contact us

You can contact us by email at enquiries@iris-worldwide.com if you have any questions, comments or complaints about this website.

Changes to these terms of use

We keep these terms of use under review and will place any updates on this webpage. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the website and your continued access, browsing or other use of the website constitutes your agreement to all such terms of use. These terms of use were last updated on 28 January 2009

Privacy and data protection

Full details of how we collect, hold and process your personally identifiable information via this website are set out in our Privacy Policy.

Access to and use of the website

We are the owner or the licensee of all intellectual property rights in this website and the material on it (including all text, trade marks, data, graphics, layout, logos, images, music or other audio material, clips, films or other moving images, algorithms, product details and/or software published or otherwise available on the website from time to time).
Subject to these terms of use, we grant you a limited, temporary, revocable and non-exclusive licence to access, browse and use this website for your personal and non commercial use only. You may print off one copy of any page(s) from this website for your personal reference.
Except as set out in the limited licence above (or as required under any applicable law), no part of this website may be used, reproduced, duplicated, copied, sold, resold, accessed, modified, or otherwise exploited, in full or in part, for any purpose without our prior written consent. In particular, you are not permitted to republish any part of this website on another website, in any other medium (print, electronic or otherwise) or as part of any commercial service without our prior written permission. All the intellectual property rights referred to above remain owned by us or our licensors.

Acceptable use of the website

While accessing, browsing and/or using this website you must:
(a) comply with all applicable laws, regulations and codes;
(b) not link to any part of the website other than the homepage;
(c) not frame or use framing techniques to enclose the website, or any part of the website, without our prior written consent;
(d) not modify, or attempt to modify, all or any part of the content on the website; and/or
(e) not gain or attempt to gain unauthorised access to the website, the server on which the website is stored or any third party server, computer or database connected to the website.
Whilst you may link to the homepage of this website, you must only do so in a way that is fair, does not harm our reputation and does not suggest any form of association, approval or endorsement of you, your goods or services and/or your website by Iris.

Termination or suspension of your access to the website

At any time and without giving you any advance notice, we may permanently or temporarily and for any reason:
(a) terminate, suspend or deny your access to this website (whether in whole or in part);
(b) terminate your permission to link to this website; and/or
(c) remove or edit any content on the website, and
in such circumstances all our liability (as well as the liability of our directors, employees or other representatives) for any loss whatsoever arising from our removing or editing content and/or your limited use of or inability to use this website (either in whole or in part) is excluded, insofar as it is possible to do so in law.

Third party links

This website may contain links to third party websites. We are not responsible for, nor do we endorse in any way such third party websites or their content. If you decide to access any of the third party websites linked to this website, you do so entirely at your own risk.

Disclaimer

All information and/or data on this website is provided on an "as is" basis. To the extent permitted by law, all conditions, warranties and other terms which might otherwise by implied are now expressly excluded and no representations, warranties or terms of any kind are made in respect of the website or the content, including, without limitation, warranties of satisfactory quality, accuracy, adequacy, conformity to description or fitness for any particular purpose.
Neither we nor any of our data providers or affiliates gives any warranty or guarantee: (a) relating to the availability of the website; or (b) that the website and/or our operation of it, the content or the server that makes the website available, are error or virus free or free of other harmful components; or (c) that your use of this website will be uninterrupted.

Limitation of liability

Nothing in these terms of use excludes or limits our liability for:
(a) death or personal injury caused by our negligence or that of any of our officers, employees or agents; or
(b) fraudulent misrepresentation; or
(c) any liability which it is not lawful to exclude either now or in the future.
Subject to the above, we will not be liable, whether in tort (including for negligence or breach of statutory duty), contract or otherwise, for: (a) any loss or damage which may arise from reliance on any information contained on this website; (b) any loss, damage or costs suffered or incurred by you arising from viruses or other harmful components received via this website; or (c) any loss of profits; loss of business; depletion of goodwill or similar losses; loss of anticipated savings; loss of contracts; loss of use; loss or corruption of data or information; or any special, indirect, consequential or pure economic loss incurred by any user in connection with this website.

Enforcement

If the whole or any part of any provision of these terms of use is or becomes invalid, void or unenforceable for any reason the same shall to the extent required be severed from these terms of use and rendered ineffective so far as is possible without modifying the remaining provisions of these terms of use and shall in no way affect the validity or enforceability of any other provisions.

Waiver
No waiver by us of any breach of these terms of use shall constitute a waiver of any other prior or subsequent breach and we shall not be affected by any delay, failure or omission to enforce or express forbearance granted in respect of any of your obligations.

Governing law and jurisdiction

These terms of use and/or your use of the website shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law and the English courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute which may arise.

IRIS WORLDWIDE’s tax strategy

1 INTRODUCTION

The tax strategy of Iris Worldwide (‘Iris) is published in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 16(2), Schedule 19 of the UK Finance Act 2016.

This document has been prepared to set out:

(a) the approach of Iris to risk management and governance arrangements in relation to UK taxation,

(b) the attitude of Iris towards tax planning (so far as affecting UK taxation),

(d) the approach of Iris towards its dealings with HMRC.

1.1 ABOUT IRIS

Iris is a global integrated marketing agency, specializing in participation brand and digital marketing strategy. We aim to be the most inspiring and innovative agency network on the planet.

Iris is part of Cheil Worldwide, the world’s 10^th biggest agency company, allowing us an extensive global reach, whilst maintaining the ability to operate as an independent agency.

The Iris Group has identified the following active UK incorporated tax resident subsidiary companies, which together constitute the Iris UK subgroup, and which are required to disclose their tax strategy:

Iris Worldwide Holdings Limited
Iris Nation Worldwide Limited
Iris London Limited
Iris Ventures 1 Limited
Iris Korea Limited *
Iris Ventures (Worldwide) Limited
Iris Partners LLP
Founded Partners Limited
Iris Digital Limited
WDMP Limited

* transferred out of the Iris UK subgroup on 1^st June 2023

1.2 TAX SCOPE

Our business activities worldwide generate a variety of taxes, both abroad and in the UK. The purpose of this Tax Strategy is to communicate Iris’ management of taxes in the UK and our overall commitment and transparency to tax across the Group.

We pay various direct taxes and indirect taxes including, but not limited to: corporate income taxes, employment taxes, withholding taxes and value added taxes.

1.3 IRIS’ COMMITMENT

Iris is committed to complying with local and global tax laws and regulations. We believe in global transparency in all aspects of tax reporting and compliance in the countries and tax jurisdictions in which we operate. We have a clear group-wide tax approach which we apply globally in line with our core business commitments and is one which we believe is crucial to our continued international growth.

The role of Group Tax Director was created in 2018 to allow a consolidation of all tax matters within the business and to increase internal tax knowledge.

Our tax strategy approach is regularly reviewed to ensure that the assessed level of tax risk remains appropriate for the business activities. Any updates to our tax strategy approach is reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors, and the Group Finance Director.

2 TAX RISK MANAGEMENT

2.1 RISK ASSESSMENT

Iris has a low-risk attitude in relation to tax matters. We identify and assess tax matters in line with our business operations and make tax decisions accordingly.

Identification, assessment, and regular monitoring of tax risks are undertaken by the Group Tax Director within the Group Finance Department, overseen by the Group Finance Director.

2.2. RISK MANAGEMENT

The Group Tax Director ensures that appropriate policies and procedures are in place to mitigate identified tax risks and that global tax compliance is adhered to. This approach is constantly optimising and evolving to meet changes in regulation and to ensure that tax risks are minimised. Equally, we aim to ensure that the business understands the Group Tax Director’s objectives of minimising our exposure to tax risks and how we seek to achieve this.

The Group Tax Director works closely with the Finance Heads of each subsidiary to ensure understanding of our identified tax risks and compliance with all regulations. We subsequently monitor our global tax risks and associated tax controls very closely to ensure our worldwide tax obligations are met, both responsibly and legally. Global corporation tax compliance is prepared by external tax advisors and specialist advice is sought in all areas where expert knowledge is required.

Each tax risk is identified and measured on a balanced approach when considering how best to manage the risk in the most tax efficient manner whilst always ensuring compliance with all relevant laws.

Iris always considers the wider group business as part of its decision-making process, and the level of risk which is ultimately accepted by the business will continue to be re-assessed and evaluated regularly.

3 TAX PLANNING AND GOVERNANCE

3.1 TAX PLANNING

Iris engages in tax planning that we believe is appropriate to support the size of our business and which reflects our current business objectives. This is undertaken by the Group Tax Director and the Group Finance Team and reviewed by the Group Finance Director. We also regularly draw on the advice of specialist tax advisors to assist in our tax planning.

Iris’ tax planning considers the following parameters when making assessments:

Commercial purpose – tax transactions must be commercially feasible and not hinder commercial success;
Financial purpose – cash flow is considered to maintain a positive inflow as a result of efficient tax planning;
Statutory purpose – profitability is considered to maintain a positive impact on profits as a result of successful tax planning; and
Brand purpose – Iris’ reputation is considered when undertaking tax planning to limit potential negative exposure.

3.2 TAX GOVERNANCE

All tax planning initiatives are reviewed by the Group Finance Director and Global Commercial Director, an appropriate independent external tax advisor and where necessary, depending on the nature of the transaction, an independent external lawyer.

The Group Finance Director is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the policies and procedures in place surrounding tax risks, planning and compliance are met and adhered to globally.

Those responsible for approving tax planning are chartered accountants, and therefore are deemed responsible and competent in making such decisions.

4 TRANSPARENCY

4.1 TRANSFER PRICING

Global business and transactions give rise to an elevated risk of under-priced services across group subsidiaries. As part of Iris’ tax risk assessments and implementation of tax risk mitigation, we ensure that all transactions are undertaken on an arm’s length basis, and that there is no artificial reduction in profits in high-tax countries.

This is reviewed on a monthly basis, and forms part of our audited annual financial statements.

4.2 BUSINESS TRANSPARENCY

Iris is fully committed to operating its business in an open and fair manner. We aim to increase our understanding of tax systems by doing so.

Iris has a zero tolerance to tax evasion and facilitation of tax evasion by any of our people and associated persons.

5 RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOVERNMENT

Iris engages openly with all tax authorities and in all relevant jurisdictions in which the business operates. Through our tax work we ensure that we adhere to all laws and regulations and work collaboratively with the tax authorities to achieve this outcome.

In particular, in the UK the Group maintains an open, transparent and honest relationship with HMRC in relation to all our tax dealings.

6 FURTHER INFORMATION

This Tax Strategy publication relates to 2022 and was last approved in March 2023. It will continue to be reviewed and revised on a regular basis where required.

Section 172(1) Statement

The board of directors, individually and collectively, continue to act in a way they consider, in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the Group for the benefit of its members as a whole. The information which follows describes how, in performing their duties during the year, the directors have had regard to the matters set out in Section 172(1) (a) to (f) of the Act, and constitutes the Board’s Section 172 Statement for 2019.

Read the full statement here

MODERN SLAVERY ACT 2015 - ANNUAL STATEMENT 2022

Our aim is to provide the very highest quality of service whilst ensuring that our business is conducted in an ethical way. We will not tolerate any abuse of human rights within our business or related supply chains and are committed to constantly refining our processes and procedures to ensure that our supply chain remains free of abuse.

Background

Iris is a thriving micro network of over 1,000 people in 14 locations across the globe. We deliver a multitude of fully integrated specialisms within creative, consulting and mar-tech to some of the most progressive clients around the world.

Our main office is located in London and we are part of the Cheil Worldwide network. Our partnership with Cheil has allowed us to extend our global reach to a network of 55 offices.

This statement is published on behalf of Iris Nation Worldwide Limited in line with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 on behalf of itself and the Iris Worldwide group of companies (including, without limitation, Iris Worldwide Holdings Limited and Iris London Limited).

Our Supply Chain

As an agency that is predominantly office based, we consider the risk of modern slavery, servitude or human trafficking in our supply chains to be relatively low. The services we procure to enable the delivery of our services tend to be limited to specific areas such as professional services, talent and location services, catering, property, information management and production services.

We expect all of our suppliers to operate fair and ethical workplaces, and to provide their services in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Policies and Procedures

During 2022 we plan to build upon our current procedures and introduce an updated Supplier Code of Conduct, which will clearly outline the standard we expect of our suppliers when conducting business including social and ethical responsibilities, compliance with applicable laws and steps to identify material human rights issues, including modern slavery concerns. Our material current suppliers and all new suppliers will be expected to adhere to this code. Our current code can be found at https://www.iris-worldwide.com/supplier-code-of-conduct/

As part of our wide commitment to promoting ethical business practices, we have in place a variety of policies and procedures that together address our approach to these issues:

Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy
Anti-Slavery Policy
Whistleblowing Policy

We also plan on adding new targeted supply chain related questions to our supplier onboarding procedures, which are intended to screen for potential issues relating to forced labour, slavery, human trafficking and/or human rights.

Implementation

Our Legal and Procurement teams will take responsibility for implementing and monitoring progress of this policy and its objectives.

Monitoring and Reporting

If we become aware of an instance of modern slavery or human trafficking occurring in any of our supply chains, we will work to resolve the issue through legitimate and proportionate procedures.

Any significant problems identified in relation to modern slavery should be immediately reported to our General Counsel at jane.jakimovski@iris-worldwide.com

More general issues in relation to the running of this policy should be reported back to the Procurement team on a quarterly basis.

Training

We are in the process of implementing targeted slavery and human trafficking sessions, which will be provided where necessary in order to educate on the important of implementing and enforcing effective systems to prevent slavery and human trafficking from taking place in our supply chains.

This statement was approved by the Board of Iris Nation Worldwide Limited.

Ian Millner

Chairman

Iris Nation Worldwide Limited

March 2023

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and constitutes Iris’ slavery and human trafficking statement for the financial year ended 31 December 2021.