Our People

Liam Hawkins

  • Manager - Equity Rewards & Venture Capital Schemes

Our People

Liam Hawkins

  • Manager - Equity Rewards & Venture Capital Schemes

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I help clients solve two key challenges: developing an effective employee share incentives plan and navigating the valuable, but often complex, UK Venture Capital Schemes. I work with businesses from their early stages, supporting them as they grow and right through to an eventual exit.

My role involves advising on the design and implementation of employee share plans, including EMI, CSOP and more complex growth share arrangements, preparing tax valuations, and helping companies make best use of Venture Capital Schemes such as SEIS and EIS.

wHY DO YOU DO IT?

I fell into this career path completely by accident – but it turned out to be a very happy one! I enjoy problem‑solving, and I find it genuinely rewarding to see the impact that my advice has on businesses. One of the best parts of my job is staying in touch with clients and watching how they develop over time.

I really enjoy working at CP! I’m lucky to work with a wide variety of clients and alongside so many supportive and dedicated colleagues. We genuinely work differently to many other firms, which allows me to focus on delivering practical, high‑value solutions for clients!

WHAT KIND OF PROJECTS HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN?

I’m currently working with several clients who were previously limited to using CSOPs because they exceeded the gross asset and/or headcount limits for EMI. Following the increases to the EMI limits announced in the November 2025 Budget, many of these clients will be able to grant EMI options once the Finance Bill 2026 receives Royal Assent. This is great news, as the benefits of EMI for both companies and employees cannot be overstated!

I’ve also led a project for a client with an established EMI plan who received questionable advice in the past. We were able to unpick a complex and sensitive situation, clearly explain the issues, and present the client with a range of practical solutions, along with a clear roadmap of next steps.

WHAT’S ON TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST?

I’m a huge NFL fan, and a long‑suffering Washington Commanders supporter. At the time of writing, I’ve seen 18 of the 32 teams play live. I’d love to tick off the remaining 14 and, ideally, make it to a Super Bowl one day!

It’s always been a dream to watch the Boxing Day Test during an Ashes series, although I may wait until England are slightly more competitive…

Finally, I’d love to return to South America and spend several weeks exploring, particularly hiking the Inca Trail!