What do you do?

I’m an Audit Partner at Cooper Parry, working with privately owned businesses across a range of industries, from food processing and retail to distribution. In simple terms, I lead teams that help clients navigate their financial reporting and compliance, giving them confidence in their numbers and peace of mind so they can get on with running their businesses.

Alongside my audit role, I now have a national leadership role focused on our people. I’m passionate about attracting great talent, helping people develop and build successful careers, and making sure we maintain the culture that makes Cooper Parry such a brilliant place to work. So these days, my job is as much about people as it is about numbers — which I much prefer! . I actually think the two roles complement each other brilliantly. Leading our people gives me a real insight into the challenges businesses face every day — attracting and retaining talent, developing great teams, managing change and getting the best from people. That means I can bring a different perspective to the table with my clients too. Our biggest asset is our people, and that’s true for our clients as well as it is for us.

Why do you do it?

If I’m honest, I probably did fall into audit! I joined Cooper Parry as a graduate 18 years ago and clearly something kept me here. I’ve worked my way through the business to become an Audit Partner and now have the opportunity to help shape our people strategy nationally. Looking back, I genuinely couldn’t have picked a better place to build my career.

What I love most is the people, the variety and the culture. My role gives me the opportunity to work with ambitious businesses and understand the challenges they face, while also helping our own people grow and thrive. Having responsibility for our people nationally has made me even more passionate about the importance of getting the right people, in the right environment, with the right support. And spreadsheets? I definitely appreciate a good spreadsheet, but they’re not what gets me excited on a Monday morning!

What kind of projects have you been involved in?

Over the years I’ve worked with privately owned businesses across a really broad range of sectors, so no two projects or clients are ever quite the same. I’ve supported businesses through periods of growth and change, helped management teams navigate complex reporting and compliance requirements, and led audit teams to deliver a slick, high-quality service without making the process more painful than it needs to be.

More recently, my national people leadership role has given me an even broader perspective on the real-life challenges businesses face around people — from attracting and retaining great talent to developing leaders, building strong teams and managing growth. That insight is something I can bring to the table with clients alongside my technical audit experience. Ultimately, our job is to give clients confidence and clarity, take away the headaches and help them focus on what they do best — running and growing their businesses.

What’s top of your bucket list?

Top of my bucket list would probably be a proper escape to Soho Farmhouse. I love the idea of somewhere that combines beautiful countryside, amazing interiors, great food and a bit of luxury, but still feels relaxed and unpretentious. It’s the sort of place where I could happily spend a few days switching off, exploring, enjoying good food and just taking some time for myself.

I’m actually quite a contradiction when it comes to what I enjoy. I love luxury cars and the excitement of the Grand Prix, but I’m equally happy getting lost on a random country road, discovering a beautiful view or finding a great country pub. Throw in some beautiful interiors, a bit of wreath making and meditation and you’ve probably got my perfect escape! For me, the bucket list isn’t necessarily about ticking off the most exotic destination — it’s about finding somewhere that gives me a bit of luxury, creativity, countryside and time to switch off.