Mr Fix It

Key points * The line between a commission and a bribe. * A recent report on bribery and SMEs. * The law and its practicalities. * HMRC's instructions and their view on bribes. * Information reporting requirements.

BRITISH AEROSPACE HIT the headlines recently with allegations about payments to secure arms deals. In particular it was reported that over
£1 billion had allegedly been traced to Prince Bandar bin Sultan of the Saudi royal family although both BAe and the prince strongly deny any wrongdoing. The story has brought the issue of business corruption to public attention again and businesses and their advisers will want to be sure that they are on the right side of the law — including tax law.
Perhaps we can consider 'Mr Fix It' the international facilitator who — for a commission — can bring together Company A and Company B...