WHAT DO YOU DO?

I support and advise all types of businesses and organisations to navigate the complexities of VAT (…there’s a wee bit more to it do than whether to charge 20%!?!), with each organisation and sector having their own unique types, and varying degrees, of complexity.

This involves assisting clients in identifying and maximising opportunities for VAT savings, and in seeking to mitigate VAT risks and minimise all related costs.

WHY DO YOU DO IT?

I sort of fell into a career in VAT – an opportunity came up with H M Customs & Excise (as it was then) in London whilst working with the civil service in Edinburgh after leaving school.

Nearly 2 years later, and following University, 25+ years have quickly passed in providing VAT advice and support, nationally, to all types/sizes of private and public sector organisations.

The opportunity to work with so many interesting clients, and building long-standing trusted relationships, to help them find solutions with their VAT challenges, as well as continually learning from so many talented people is both humbling and exciting….especially working with the fantastic VAT team at Cooper Parry!

WHAT KIND OF PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN?

Working across many sectors has given me the opportunity to be involved in so many great projects which, in some cases, has led to many significant savings for clients including some examples below:

• A UK landed estate worth £200m was acquired by an overseas entrepreneur. In determining that the conditions were met for the extensive transaction to be purchased as a transfer of a going concern, it not only meant the sale was treated as ‘VAT-free’, with the resulting cash flow benefits, but also resulted in a saving of c.£1m in not having to pay additional SDLT on any VAT transaction amount.
• Identified historical VAT opportunities, following related case law, for the motor retail sector and working with many motor trade businesses across the UK led to negotiating with, and securing from, HMRC combined VAT savings in excess of £30m.

WHATS ON TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Having recently joined the Cooper Parry team in Scotland and the UK national VAT practice, I am really excited to have the opportunity to play a part in the firm’s ambitious vision and seeing our clients and teams successfully develop and grow.

Looking forward with my family to pursuing overseas road trips and, when I get some spare time, rekindle my love/hate relationship with the game of golf and eventually become that WWII golfer…..out in 39, back in 45!