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RSM UK has appointed Lisa Macpherson-Fletcher as tax partner in the private client advisory team based in Edinburgh.
A chartered tax adviser with more than 20 years’ experience, Lisa advises clients on succession and estate planning for family businesses, particularly for large estates, landowners and agricultural clients.
Having started her tax career at Deloitte on the firm’s graduate trainee scheme, Lisa’s technical specialisms have been developed within practice, including over eight years at Saffery.
Lisa said: ‘I am excited to be working with a diverse range of businesses and a dynamic, client focused team of experts at RSM. I particularly love working closely with families, getting to know them, earning their trust, and helping them achieve their future planning goals.'
Gary Heynes, head of private client services, said: ‘I am delighted that Lisa is now part of our national private client team. The autumn Budget has given rise to a significant increase in enquiries around succession and inheritance tax planning, particularly from family business owners and those in the farming sector. Lisa’s experience in estate and succession planning arrives at just the right time and will be invaluable for the current demand for advice in these areas.’
Forvis Mazars has appointed Jennifer Allison as office managing partner (OMP) in Edinburgh. She takes on the role from Laura Clarkson who is stepping aside after seven years.
Jennifer will be responsible for developing the firm’s business strategy in Edinburgh and overseeing its local team of over 100 professionals.
Jennifer joined the firm more than ten years ago having begun her career at RSM. She leads the national corporate tax compliance team and has experience working with clients of all sizes and across all sectors. She has a particular focus on entrepreneurial privately owned businesses, and advising companies and their shareholders on relevant tax issues.
Jennifer said: ‘It’s a privilege to have been appointed Edinburgh office managing partner and entrusted with shaping the firm’s presence in the region over the coming years. I hope to have a positive impact on all my colleagues in Edinburgh and will continue to foster a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment, as well as nurturing the development of those at the earlier stage of their careers.’
Laura said: ‘Jennifer is a pivotal member of our team and we’re delighted to be recognising her efforts across the business and appointing her as Edinburgh OMP. Jennifer’s knowledge of the local market, alongside her connections across Forvis Mazars’ global footprint, means she is incredibly well placed to lead the team in our new chapter as part of a global network.’
Felix Key, a technical research and development (R&D) specialist, has joined PKF Smith Cooper in a newly created director role.
Previously, Felix worked as a technical lead for a tax consultancy firm, managing the delivery of R&D claims for both small and medium-sized entities and large corporate clients. His career began in commercial engineering.
In his new role, Felix will help clients claim the tax relief using his technical knowledge and experience to make the claims process more robust.
Felix said: ‘HMRC is now committing to open compliance checks on 20% of all R&D claims, but this should not deter organisations from accessing the tax relief they are entitled to. Seeking specialist support can streamline the claims process and reduce the likelihood of triggering a compliance check.’
Gary Devonshire, tax partner and head of innovation and property taxes, said: ‘Felix is a significant addition to our growing R&D team. His technical understanding of the composition of R&D claims is second to none as is his ability to navigate any enquiry process with HMRC using his technical background.’
Anne Smith has joined Newport-based independent firm Kilsby Williams as a partner. She was formerly a tax partner at Watts Gregory LLP.
Anne has become well known in the market for her expertise in tax planning specialisms such as corporate sale, purchase and reorganisation transactions, fiscal share valuations, international business restructuring, expatriate tax planning and executive remuneration.
Simon Tee, managing partner, said: 'We are thrilled to welcome Anne to the firm. A partner of her calibre and experience will enhance our team and existing client services as we begin the new year and look ahead to the tax changes of the next financial year.’
Johnston Carmichael has strengthened its team in Newcastle with the appointment of private client tax director Chris Hodgson.
He joins the team with more than 37 years’ experience in private client tax, having built his career at local firm Azets, formerly Tait Walker. He has expertise in personal and corporate tax advisory services, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and trust planning.
Chris said: ‘I’m excited to be part of the firm’s growth journey and to bring my knowledge to help clients navigate the ever-changing tax landscape, especially in areas like inheritance tax, trusts, and planning for family business owners.’
Paul Shields, audit partner and head of the Newcastle office, said: ‘We’re delighted to have Chris on board. His exceptional experience and deep understanding of private client tax is second to none. Having worked with Chris in a previous role, I know just how much value he brings to both clients and colleagues.
Johnston Carmichael won the award for ‘Best Private Client Tax Practice’ at the Tolley’s Tax Awards 2024.
PwC has hired Sinead Kinsella as director in its private business team to focus on tax advisory matters with a focus on entrepreneur led business. Based in Belfast, Sinead will support the firm's private business offering across the island of Ireland, working as part of local and national teams in this area.
She joins from EY, where she worked in a business tax advisory role. Sinead also has experience in corporate tax compliance and transaction tax.
Áine O’Hare, head of tax in Northern Ireland, said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Sinead to our tax team. She brings a wealth of experience working on complex tax matters across different industries and borders, and I look forward to seeing her work hand-in-hand with private and family-run businesses to help them realise their ambitions.’
Paraic Burke, head of tax Ireland, added: ‘Sinead joins the UK tax practice in Northern Ireland at an exciting time, with so much focus on the global role of tax policy and continued legislative change, workforce organisation and the legal landscape. I look forward to working with her in supporting our clients and people through the changes as we harness opportunities and solve challenges together.’
New recruits bolster PKF Francis Clark’s corporate tax expertise
PKF Francis Clark has hired two new senior managers.
Corporation tax specialist Paul Rattew has joined from Milsted Langdon (left), while corporate and real estate tax specialist Nick Crandon has spent the past eight years with BDO (right).
Bristol-based Paul brings experience of helping owner-managed businesses and larger groups across a range of sectors with corporation tax issues, HMRC enquiries, capital allowances, research and development tax credits, restructuring and IR35 issues, and transfer pricing. He also worked as an in-house tax expert for a large private healthcare group, after starting his tax career with Deloitte.
He said: ‘I’m looking forward to providing technical tax advice to teams across the firm when they need specialist expertise to solve problems for clients, as well as being involved in training colleagues.’
Nick, who will be based in Truro and Plymouth, supports complex corporate clients and owner-managed businesses with tax due diligence on transactions, as well as general tax advisory and compliance work.
He said: ‘I enjoy being able to support clients throughout their business journey – from inception to exit – as well as working with the wider PKF Francis Clark teams on technical tax issues. I’m looking forward to working with a wider variety of clients while continuing to use my real estate and property expertise.’
Azets hires VAT partner in London
Azets has hired Signe Hibbert as VAT partner in its London Bridge office. She has more than 20 years’ experience in indirect tax, both in practice and industry most recently leading the global VAT and goods and services tax team at Electronic Arts for more than ten years.
Signe said: ‘As a forward-thinking professional, I was thrilled to join an organisation such as Azets which aligns with my beliefs and hope that my unusual and valuable combination of technical expertise and "people" skills will stand me in good stead. I have a wide range of interests which influence the way I do business, and I am known for my ability to listen, understand and position stakeholder priorities across business lines.
‘I am passionate about development, in particular building teams and helping individuals achieve their potential. Seeing my team succeed makes me incredibly proud. I love having the opportunity to get involved in initiatives which foster a sense of belonging and purpose and allow me to connect with others.’
London regional managing partner Ian Jefferson said: ‘Signe has hit the ground running and is already a valuable member of our growing team, bringing specialist expertise to the table.’
New employment tax hire at PKF Smith Cooper
Midlands-based PKF Smith Cooper has recruited new employment tax senior manager Megan Jones to the Birmingham team.
Megan is an employment tax specialist with more than seven years’ experience in the field, who spent the first five years of her career at HMRC, before moving into private practice. In her new role, she will provide monthly and annual compliance support to clients and offer unique insights into both big and small problems clients face.
She has experience in a range of sectors including the automotive industry, hotels and restaurants, IT, manufacturing and engineering, health and social care, property and construction, real estate, transport and logistics.
Megan said: ‘I’m really excited to meet everyone and start supporting clients, both existing and new.’
Employment tax director Jack Bonehill said: ‘I’m excited to have Megan join the employment tax team. Her experience and skills are a great asset to the wider tax team and our clients. The addition of Megan is a part of the firm’s investment in the expansion of our tax team, improving the support we provide to clients.’
