All business is a process, even service based business. This was the hardest concept for me to grasp.
Although I cut my teeth at HMRC in London, I realised early on that it wasn’t a place to develop a career. Transferring into the accountancy profession, I qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser with Littlejohn’s in Canary Wharf, then moved to top 50 firm Silver Levene in the West End and became their youngest Partner. For the ten years I worked with business and personal client - solving complex tax situations on business transactions and for high-net-worth people – and managing the firm’s challenging 3,500 annual tax return filing cycle. My time in London produced a network of professional relationships that I still enjoy today.
After my first child arrived the mix of London and family didn’t work, so to rebalance the work/life dilemma I combined relocating to the New Forest, Hampshire (via a year in France) with the first Total Tax Group company in 2003. I have the best of both worlds: a stimulating and growing business plus time for family and friends in a beautiful part of the country.
I’ve been in business from the age of 27 and have first hand experience of what it takes to run a successful company. The journey - through start-up, organic growth, financing for expansion, acquisition and merger – is exciting! My natural focus is the tax impact of such challenges, underpinned by practical guidance on how to handle the day-to-day practical considerations. I have developed intense programs for business growth, staff retention and succession/exit, and offer this bespoke service to a maximum of 6 business owners a year.
My “me-time” is spent walking in the forest or by the sea, with the kids and the dog. I also walk with friends for charity – Breast Cancer, Rhetts, Naomi House, Rose Road, Macmillian - the miles and money are clocking up.