About

In 2025, Marks & Spencer was targeted in a cyber-attack that significantly interrupted operations, impacting the group's financials and share price. Tax played a crucial role in helping the group get through the crisis and rebound strongly, particularly through cash management. The episode highlights the importance, during challenging times, of being able to draw on strong relationships developed through good business partnering practice. It also underlines the importance of having strong processes in place to ensure continuity during crises, including effective use of AI tools. It was this, in large part, that saw the tax team awarded Best In-house Tax Team in 2026 at the Tolley's Taxation Awards. Faisal Shafiq, Head of Group Tax at Marks & Spencer, will draw on these experiences to discuss principles of good practice and what's behind the success of the M&S tax function.