Who am I?

I’m a Tax Valuation Specialist with 25 years’ experience (with a few breaks to travel – see below!). Prior to joining Claritas Birmingham in October 2018 I worked for a Big Four firm in Birmingham and Manchester, heading up their valuation practices. I started my career on the ‘other side’ at HMRC’s Shares and Assets Valuation before joining the world of professional services.

When I’m at work

I work exclusively on tax valuation projects for clients which usually arise as a result of a transaction or restructure, or where valuations are required as part of a share incentive scheme. Key to my role is understanding my clients’ business in depth and what drives its value. I undertake valuations across a wide range of sectors, so I enjoy the in-depth research this requires.

When I’m not at work

I live in the Lake District and I often work remotely so that I can indulge my passion for walking in the hills, having hung up my climbing shoes a while ago. Over the years I’ve indulged my passion for travel by taking some time out from the corporate world, I’ve been very lucky to visit countries such as Pakistan and Libya. I also love cooking and I am obsessed with cookery programmes – though I’m not planning on applying for Bake Off or MasterChef anytime soon!

Who am I?

I’m a Chartered Tax Adviser and Chartered Accountant with over 30 years’ experience, beginning with a Big Four firm followed by a move to HSBC. At the bank a main specialism was Asset Finance and the tax function of the bank’s private equity investment vehicles. More latterly I was heavily involved in group reporting.

When I’m at work

Claritas has an extraordinarily diverse client base so work is very varied. I regularly advise on overseas tax structuring, liaising with overseas advisers and lawyers. The challenge is to deliver a workable solution taking all factors other than just tax into account.

When I’m not at work

I look after my local church finances and I’m a trustee of a charity. I play the clarinet in a local amateur orchestra and every Friday evening three of us clarinettists get together – not a jamming session- more Rossini than Rock. I’m a member of a male voice choir which involves 40 men singing together – blowing away any cobwebs there may be.

Who am I?

I’m on the Claritas Graduate Scheme, having previously graduated from Loughborough University with a Masters in Aeronautical Engineering. I joined Claritas in September 2017 and I’m currently working towards my ACA and CTA.

When I’m at work

I get involved with a wide variety of projects to expose myself to the many aspects of tax as I can. My focus falls on R&D claims, which allow me to dive into a wide array of companies in industries ranging from chemical manufacturing to astronautical engineering. I especially enjoy working on claims relating to work around my specialist field of Computational Fluid Dynamics.

When I’m not at work

I take part and compete in a variety of outdoor pursuits, including rock-climbing, trail-running and orienteering. I also enjoy playing the piano and putting my feet up with the latest boxset.

Who am I?

I’m a Chartered Tax Adviser with over 20 years’ experience in the tax profession in Big Four, Mid-Tier firms and Industry.  I joined Claritas Birmingham in April 2016 and I’ve enjoyed coming to work every day since.

When I’m at work

I really enjoy building client relationships and dealing with the varied bespoke tax issues encountered by my clients.  This means the work I advise on is wide-ranging and involves dealing with Restructuring, International Tax, R&D tax relief, Enterprise Investment Schemes, Venture Capital Trusts, Enterprise Management Incentive schemes, Capital Allowance claims and Tax Compliance – I said it was varied!

When I’m not at work

I love spending time with my family. I have two boys who keep me very active and busy, this usually includes taking them swimming and to clubs at the gym, sometimes I also get chance for a workout.  My children are thrill seekers, which they get from my husband, so I often find myself on very scary rollercoasters some of which I would prefer not to be on!  We also recently had a new addition to our family who enjoys going for walks – a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who is also male, I’m definitely outnumbered in our house.

Who am I?

A Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, I have advised HNW and UHNW clients on all kinds of Private Client tax matters for almost 25 years. Specialising in trusts and inheritance tax, I am also a full STEP member and a member of the worldwide STEP Journal editorial board.

When I’m at work

Being a Private Client tax adviser means you really need to get to know your clients, and about their aims and aspirations, so I spend a lot of time talking to clients and finding out about their families and future requirements. I also love talking about tax, so you will often find me extolling the virtues of trusts or the intricacies of capital gains tax to clients and contacts, or writing about tax matters in various places.

When I’m not at work

In addition to two teenage children who keep me on my toes, I also play rugby for Aston Old Edwardians RFC, a local club whose first XV were once captained by my father and for whom my daughter also plays. When not scrummaging, I am an avid reader, and a Kindle convert after running out of room on my bookshelves! I am also enthusiastically learning to play squash, and somewhat less enthusiastically attempting to learn how to hit a golf ball.

Who am I?

I’m a Chartered Tax Adviser with over 20 years’ experience in senior management positions in Big Four and Mid-Tier firms. I established Claritas’ Manchester office in May 2019.

When I’m at work

I try to maintain an equal balance between winning and delivering work. I like nothing more than being in the thick of a fast-paced transaction, pulling out all the stops to help a buyer or seller get their deal over the line. I make a point of speaking with my clients as much as they can bear and I also love spending time ‘in the market’, building my network of contacts across the finance community.

When I’m not at work

I’m very active. I spent over a decade addicted to Ironman triathlons before calming down and finding two equally addictive sports in the form of golf and tennis. I’m married to a Nuclear Engineer and I have an energetic eight year old daughter.

Who am I?

I’m a Chartered Tax Adviser with over 30 years’ experience. I’ve worked predominantly in Big Four firms within their M&A and Restructuring teams, and I was also responsible for setting up the UK tax practice for an international, mid-market German accountancy and legal practice. I joined Claritas Birmingham in July 2016.

When I’m at work

My time is split between transactional and restructuring projects and overseas inbound investment advice. I like working on both the buy and sell-side of deals and assisting clients to structure their investments in the UK in an efficient way which will not give rise to future tax issues. I enjoy building relationships with my clients and a key part of this is understanding their business and the commercial drivers behind the transactions they enter into. I then work with them to develop a plan which achieves their commercial objectives.

When I’m not at work

I’m a keen photographer and I combine this hobby my love of walking in the Lake District and Wales. I’m also a keen cyclist – somewhat keener since I recently acquired an electric bike!

Who am I?

I studied Law at university and decided to start a career in tax so I could continue to work with legislation and cases. I’m CTA qualified and have over 20 years’ experience of working with businesses and their owners.

When I’m at work

I enjoy working with business owners and other advisers on transactions – whether that’s providing sell-side advice or tax due diligence for acquirers. I also make sure business owners have the appropriate ownership structures in place to achieve their commercial and personal goals. I assist companies in making R&D and Patent Box relief claims. Both can provide extremely valuable savings or cash injections. It also gives me the chance to really understand what companies do. I have an enquiring mind, so this naturally appeals to me.

When I’m not at work

I like to read short stories, and occasionally try to write my own. I have too many vinyl records to count and enjoy listening to them with friends. Every now and then I threaten to ‘get back into running’.

Who am I?

I’m a Graduate Trainee and I’ve been working at Claritas since February 2019. My previous experience involves two years as a compliance caseworker at HMRC.

When I’m at work

I get involved with a variety of projects from personal tax advice to R&D claims, learning from the vast experience of my colleagues along the way. As I’m in the second year of my ACA/CTA qualification, I also spend some of my time out of the office preparing for upcoming exams.

When I’m not at work

I like to be active in my spare time, I enjoy trying out new exercise classes and taking long walks with the family dogs. I’m also an avid reader, though most of my spare time is currently centred around my studying and planning for my wedding next year.

Who am I?

I’m a Chartered Accountant with over 40 years’ experience specialising in providing tax advice, with the last 25 focused on private clients. After retiring from a 30-year career with Grant Thornton as a senior tax partner I joined Claritas as a consultant in October 2017.

When I’m at work?

My core focus is building Claritas’ Private Client practice and as part of that work alongside all of my colleague where my expertise is required. We undertake a great deal of transactional work, building and selling businesses, and as a consequence we are fortunate to see many wealthy individuals and families. My role is to help clients maintain and preserve wealth maximising control, flexibility and tax efficiency.

When I’m not at work?

I’m the Honorary Treasurer of the University of Leicester. I travel a lot, collect first editions of books and visit the theatre regularly. I also pursue interests in family history, armchair sport, crosswords and jigsaws.

Who am I?

I’m a Chartered Tax Adviser and I’ve been working at Claritas since April 2017. Previously I was a graduate trainee and then Senior Associate at a Big Four firm in Birmingham.

When I’m at work

My time is split between personal tax advice and transactional and restructuring projects. I trained in a Private Client team, so I have experience in dealing with all tax matters relating to high-net worth individuals, entrepreneurs and trusts. I also enjoy working on both the buy and sell-side of deals. My favourite part of the job is meeting and getting to know our clients, who are often very interesting, entrepreneurial people.

When I’m not at work

I’m a basketball addict and consume as much NBA content as I can, battling against the transatlantic time difference. I enjoy keeping fit and travelling, and I love gaming on my large collection of Nintendo consoles.

Who am I?

I’m a tax specialist with over 25 years’ experience, both within Big Four firms and in-house, most recently as Head of Tax at RAC. I’ve been with Claritas since May 2018. My background is in corporate tax but during my career I’ve worked across the full range of taxes.

When I’m at work

Most of my time is spent advising on structuring reorganisations and business sales and purchases. I especially enjoy analysing complex structures and developing a solution which meets my clients’ commercial objectives which will not cause them further tax problems down the line. Having been an in-house tax specialist for 10 years, I know how it feels to be the client as well as to be the adviser, which I hope enables me to deliver advice, which is clear, concise, and tailored to the specific project at hand.

When I’m not at work

I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and watching a lot of crime drama on TV. I’m also trying to improve my tennis, so I don’t lose to my teenage daughter too often – having only taken it up at the age of 48 – I have plenty of scope for improvement.

Who am I?

I’m twenty-something and on the Claritas ACA graduate scheme, I’m always looking to add new strings to my bow. I live a Birmingham-based life but I have grown up with both Indian and Irish influences. I graduated with a First in International Business MSC (at University of Birmingham, quelle surprise) and a 2:1 in Classics (ibid.), before that, I was on Tolkien’s turf at King Edward’s School.

When I’m at work

I get stuck into whatever projects are going and to date I’ve helped on valuations, R&D, and tax compliance work. It has been great to have a hands-on experience in all areas, and in the next few years I hope to have narrowed and focused my skillset. The breadth of my colleagues’ backgrounds and experiences is a tremendous asset, and I hope in joining Claritas I will similarly add great value to our focus – assisting our clients.

When I’m not at work

You can find me singing with my guitar, getting through a selection of classic books (affectionately titled on my phone as my ‘book-it list’), or trying to get new personal bests on my 5k and 10k run. Family time is also very important to me, I love nothing more than spending time watching a murder mystery with my nan.

Who am I?

I’m a Manager here at Claritas and I’ve been working within accountancy and tax for over 20 years. Prior to joining in January 2015, I worked at a small accountancy practice for 16 years.

When I’m at work

I’m busy with day-to-day office management, personal tax compliance and employment related securities filings. I also look after graduate recruitment and thoroughly enjoy interviewing our new recruits and going out to graduate fairs.

When I’m not at work

I’m obsessed with animals! I have two super cute French Bulldogs, three cats and two beautiful horses. During my free time, I’m either at the stables looking after and riding my horses or taking the dogs for long walks over Cannock Chase.

Who am I?

I’m a tax specialist with over 17 years’ experience. I’ve had roles with Big Four and mid-tier firms. I’ve also worked within the in-house tax team of a magic circle law firm. I suppose I’m a slightly different tax advisor in that I studied law at university and went on to successfully pass the BAR (not the drinking type!), which is a qualification required to become a practising barrister. I also successfully qualified as a Chartered Tax Advisor. It definitely feels like I spent a lot of my “youth” studying. I joined Claritas in 2015, when there were only five members of the team.

When I’m at work

It goes without saying, that as a tax advisor I enjoy a technical challenge, finding practical solutions to meet a client’s commercial objectives. However, I also thoroughly enjoy interacting with clients. I spend a lot of my time advising on both sell-side and buy-side transactional work, corporate reorganisations and reconstructions.

My role also involves advising all stakeholders with an interest in this process. My aim is always to provide practical, focused and clear advice to ensure my client fully understands what it means for them and their business. I also spend a lot of time developing new contacts, I do occasionally like to get away from my desk and away from tax legislation!

When I’m not at work

Contrary to the myth, I do enjoy other things outside of tax. I’m an avid Liverpool FC fan, I also watch a lot of boxing, tennis and I like to keep fit.
I’m also a keen musician, writing and producing electronic music in my home study. I also listen to a lot of music, I’ve been collecting vinyl since the age of 18. I am married and have two lovely but crazy young boys, who certainly take up a lot of my time.

Who am I?

A seasoned sales and marketing professional, here to spread the word about the great team at Claritas and seek out new clients for us to advise.

When I’m at work?

I split my time between the direct approach to new business – phoning, emailing or mailing businesses of all shapes and sizes across the UK; and the indirect approach, publishing company news on our website, sharing via our social channels and networking amongst the business communities of Birmingham and Manchester. I also act as the link between the team and the publishers, producing press releases and planning advertising and promotions. I work out of both the Birmingham and Manchester offices so I’m a huge fan of the rail network!

When I’m not at work?

My time is dominated by family and friends but when they allow me, I love a good movie or relaxing listening to a few tunes. To keep active, I try to exercise by running (outdoors) or cycling (indoors on an exercise bike) but I’m not much of a swimmer so triathlon is out! I’m married to an Interior Designer and I have an amazing 19-year-old daughter.

Who am I?

I’m a Chartered Accountant and I’ve been with Claritas since September 2016. Previously, I spent 3 years working in Operations Management with fast-moving consumer goods companies, including Samworth Brothers and Ocado.

When I’m at work

I spend most of my time working with clients on share schemes and valuations, but I also get involved with R&D and transactional and restructuring projects. I enjoy getting to understand our clients’ businesses, which cover a multitude of sectors from software providers and airport operators to food producers and media companies. Every business is unique, and I like learning about the challenges our clients face and hopefully being able to be part of the solution.

When I’m not at work

I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen with my wife, usually for dinner parties with family or friends. We’re big foodies and big believers of supporting our local independent bars and restaurants. We’re also passionate about travelling to experience different cuisines around the world, our favourites being Italian and Thai. I also enjoy taking long walks and getting lost in a good book or film.

Who am I?

I haven’t worked that out yet, much too complicated! However, I’ve been working with clients helping them with their tax affairs for over 20 years. I spent my first seven years in a Big Four firm before venturing out into the big wide world to gain more experience in winning work, building teams, and continuing to build client relationships. That’s how I ended up helping to establish Claritas as the business it is today. I’m a fixer; if there’s a problem to solve, I can’t resist.

When I’m at work

As well as advising on the many and varied aspects of corporate and business taxes, I spend a significant part of my time advising on R&D tax relief, the team that I lead. I most enjoy getting to know the businesses that my clients’ run and the people themselves; I’ve always relished being able to help people. This also spills into my other roles in the office as a development coach, heading up our graduate program.
I also manage how we best utilise the latest technology to help us to perform our work better.

When I’m not at work

Family time is everything to me, spending time with my son (who is a Ballroom and Latin dancer, musician, Youtuber, teenager!), daughter (artist, dancer, little madam who isn’t a teenager yet but acts like one), and my wonderful wife (who I’ve been learning to Ballroom and Latin dance with and also compete at a regional and national level). I also enjoy learning about the fundamentals of the internal combustion engine or dismantling parts of one of our cars – in an effort to fix it. I can’t resist fixing things and I love technology.

Who am I?

I’ve been with Claritas since May 2018 as a Tax Manager. With over 20 years’ experience in tax, I spent the first eight years at a Big Four firm specialising in corporate tax compliance, before moving on to mid-tier firms covering a range of taxes. More recently I worked within the UK arm of a German accountancy and legal practice.

When I’m at work

My time is mainly spent working with our clients to help them navigate their way through complex and ever evolving world of corporate tax compliance obligations. I also assist clients in the preparation of Research and Development claims, I find it’s interesting getting to know clients and understanding their businesses. Building a strong client relationship, where the client is put first is what makes Claritas stand out – I love being part of that
Along with the compliance side of things I also get involved in advisory projects such as M&A transactions, restructuring of a company.

When I’m not at work

I love travelling and as a family we do a lot of road trips across many different countries, so many amazing places to see – yet to touch Australia! I have a passion for cooking! I’m always trying different cuisines, even making up new dishes and trying them out on my family – thankfully they don’t complain too much. When I’m not in the kitchen, I love to watch films or a good boxset.

Who am I?

I was Claritas’ first graduate in 2015 having graduated from Swansea University with a First in Business Management. With the support of the team, I’ve completed both my ACA and CTA qualifications since joining.

When I’m at work

I specialise in R&D tax claims and I’ve helped numerous businesses secure corporation tax reductions or cash payments as a result. I love speaking with clients and understanding their businesses as well as feeling you’re really making a real difference. It’s always exciting talking to clients, understanding the new and innovative things they’re working on. As well as R&D, I have experience in tax compliance as well as structuring reorganisations and valuations.

When I’m not at work

I love exercising (especially swimming) as well as cooking and baking. I also enjoy relaxing with friends and family, treating them to my latest creations in the kitchen. I would love to be able to travel more, there’s so many places I want to see and different cultures I want to experience.

Who am I?

I’m a seasoned office administrator with over 25 years’ experience of working within different sectors including a multi-national company, a private bank and an accountancy firm. I’ve worked at Claritas since 2017.

When I’m at work?

I’ve been described as the one who ‘keeps the lights on’, dealing with all of the secretarial and administrative requirements in the office including client engagements, credit checks, invoicing and credit control, as well as facilities management, document processing and formatting.

When I’m not at work?

I enjoy reading – anything from Andy McNab to Danielle Steele, listening to a wide range of music which, like reading, could be anything from Kings of Leon to Tamla Motown, I also enjoy spending time with my family.

Who am I?

I joined Claritas as a Graduate in September 2017 and I’m currently working towards my ACA and CTA. Prior to that, I graduated from Queen Mary, University of London with a First in Economics, before working in a trade finance house for almost two years, helping companies fund their orders.

When I’m at work

I keep track of our clients’ corporation tax compliance and ensure Claritas are up to date with all their processes. I also get involved with a variety of projects ranging from M&A transactions and the restructuring of a company through to the valuation of their shares.

When I’m not at work

I’m a carer for my two elderly grandparents. I also enjoy getting lost in a foreign film or TV drama with them. Being brought up in a multicultural household, I really love to travel and to taste different cuisines from around the world. My family, friends and I always try to be amongst the first few people who trial a new restaurant which pops up in Birmingham city centre!

Who am I?

I’m an Associate ACCA member, with over 27 years’ experience in Employment Tax, having previously worked for HMRC and in the Big Four firms.

When I’m at work

I help clients to be compliant with the constantly evolving world of Employment Tax.  This can range from providing ad-hoc advice (e.g. employee expenses, benefits in kind, Construction Industry Scheme, etc) to helping clients navigate themselves through HMRC Employer Compliance reviews. I take pride in working alongside clients to manage the process towards a favourable outcome, based on my experience.  However, it’s not all about compliance. My involvement with clients also entails bringing them cost saving ideas, which are all above board from an HMRC perspective!

When I’m not at work

I try and stay fit as much as time allows.  In particular, I enjoy running and ‘playing’ cricket for a bit of ‘me’ time!  Most of the time is spent driving around my three ‘not so young’ children to their various sporting activities and watching them grow and succeed.  I am also a big ‘Spurs’ fan!

Who am I?

I’m a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser with over 24 years’ experience in the tax profession.  Having worked at Big Four and mid-tier firms in the past, I established Claritas in 2012 to provide big firm experience and expertise to mid-market privately owned and private equity backed businesses and their owners.

When I’m at work

I love talking to clients about their businesses, solving problems and helping them take advantage of opportunities.  Whilst tax should not drive commercial decision making, tax is at the heart of so many commercial projects, from where to locate a factory to whether to buy or sell a business, as well as how to incentivise staff.  This gives us a fantastic opportunity to influence the way business works for the better and I love the intellectual challenge that brings.  I’m never happier than when standing with a whiteboard demonstrating how something can be solved, but that may just be the result of having two teachers for parents!

When I’m not at work

I spend time with my wife and two children, James and Ffion, and with extended family and friends. Having spent far too many years leading a sedentary lifestyle, I’m now enjoying running along the country lanes of Worcestershire on a regular basis, which is probably the only sport I am coordinated enough to do! I have to accept that when it comes to sport, I’m better as a spectator and so I enjoy watching most sports but particularly football – we have a constant battle in my house between me, as a fan of Derby County and my son who is obsessed with Aston Villa, which is probably my reward for having become an adopted Brummie! I also enjoy watching motor racing and used to call myself a petrolhead but, as we now have two electric cars, it’s probably more accurate to call me a “volthead”.  Finally, I enjoy travelling, eating out and the occasional pub quiz.