ATT Welcome: Let me introduce myself...

At our AGM in July, I was honoured to take on the role of Deputy President, succeeding Graham Batty, who now steps into the role of President. I’m very much looking forward to working closely with Graham and our new Vice President, Ele Theochari, as part of the ATT Leadership Team. Graham’s name will no doubt be familiar to many of you, as he has already previously served as President of the ATT. The fact that he’s chosen to return for another term is a testament to just how rewarding and fulfilling the role can be.

Since I may be less well known to some of you, let me briefly introduce myself.

I grew up in East Ham – so yes, I’m a genuine Eastender! – before heading west to study Economics and Accounting at the University of Bristol. My professional career began back in London, at a small accounting firm tucked away behind Selfridges on Oxford Street, where I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1985. The following year, I successfully passed the Institute of Taxation (as it was then known) exams, which laid the foundations for a lifelong career in tax.

Over the years, I’ve continued to build on that foundation. I was one of the first accountants in the UK to qualify under ICAEW’s probate qualification, and I’m also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Unsurprisingly, this means that I have a particular interest in capital taxes, especially capital gains tax and inheritance tax, and these continue to be a major focus of my day-to-day work.

In 1988, I made the move to Potton in Bedfordshire and joined George Hay Chartered Accountants. I became a Partner in 1990, and in April 2020 I stepped into the role of Senior Partner, which I continue to hold today. Like many of you, I’m on the front line of providing tax advice and supporting clients through the complex and ever-changing tax landscape. I’m sure that if there are issues proving especially tricky or frustrating for you or your clients, then I’m probably seeing them too. But just in case I’m not, I’d love to hear about what’s keeping you and your clients awake at night, and maybe I can explore some of those topics in future editions of this page.

My commitment to the profession has always extended beyond client work. Since 1988, I’ve been an active member of the CIOT/ATT Mid-Anglia Branch Committee, serving in various roles including Branch Secretary and Chairman. I also spent 17 years as a member of the CIOT Education Committee, helping to shape the future of tax education and professional development. More recently, I joined ATT Council in 2021 and currently serve as Chair of the Exam Steering Group.

But if there’s one thread that runs through all my professional activities, and one thing you’ll no doubt hear a lot from me over the next year, it’s my passion for sharing tax knowledge and inspiring others. Whether it’s delivering lectures, running branch events or mentoring new professionals, I genuinely believe that tax is not only important, but that it’s also fun. (Yes, I really do say that, and it even appears on the first slide of many of my presentations!)

Looking ahead, one of my key priorities during my year as Deputy President will be to support and encourage more members to get involved with the ATT’s voluntary work, especially around schools and careers outreach. These initiatives aim to raise awareness of the tax profession among young people, break down misconceptions and showcase the variety of rewarding careers that tax can offer.

There’s a real opportunity here, not only to give something back, but to play an active role in shaping the next generation of tax professionals. Whether it’s delivering a talk in a school, attending a careers fair or simply sharing your own journey, your involvement can make a big difference. And don’t worry, you won’t be doing it alone. The ATT provides helpful resources, guidance and support to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

If you’re passionate about tax and want to help others discover why this profession matters, I strongly encourage you to get involved.

Until next month – stay cool, stay curious and never forget: Tax is Fun.