What do you do?

I lead Cooper Parry’s Equity Reward & Venture Capital Schemes team – shortened to the very buzzy acronym ERVCS!. We are a growing team of 12 working on a whole range of projects in this space. This includes (but is not limited to!) designing staff equity / share option plans including HMRC approved plans like EMI, CSOP as well as others including Growth Shares, supporting on tax valuation work, tax diligence and fundraising, and access to and advice around venture capital relief schemes like SEIS, EIS and VCT.

My aim is to give peace of mind, and to ensure that when it comes to a diligence/exit conversation, that we have well thought through, meaningful and complete positions, allowing for safe passage through due diligence / HMRC review.

Why do you do it?

Because I enjoy it! It holds my interest, it makes me want to learn more, it gets me out of bed in the morning!? I like listening, being involved, and understanding why a problem is a problem – then working out an eloquent solution! CP is s super fit for me, and the values align well with my personal life too! I love leading our team, a super group of well-aligned people.

What kind of projects have you been involved in?

Supporting clients through an exit process, so helping them maximise value of what they have created in a sale situation! Designing & implementing staff option and/or equity plans – so that if the company succeeds, everyone benefits from a slice of the action! Utilising HMRC approved fundraising & share option schemes to help companies grow, raise £, hire key staff, and ultimately succeed! Taking great joy from solving complex Venture Capital Scheme scenarios!

What’s on top of your bucket list?

Get as close as I possibly can to 80 minutes for a half-marathon and 3 hours for the marathon (2026 I pray!).