Exams Prove Not Taxing For Local Chartered Accountant

 A partner with a Bideford-based Chartered Accountancy firm, has passed all of the Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) taxation examinations with flying colours, on the first attempt.  Jonathan Gifford, partner with Haines Watts North Devon LLP, is the only professional in North Devon to have achieved this success in the last five years.

Jonathan Gifford

As a result of his examination success, Jonathan is now a fully qualified Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) and a member of the Chartered Institute of Tax (CIOT).  Membership of the CIOT is by examination and it is recognised as the gold standard of UK taxation education. Members are subject to the Institute's professional standards and are supported by the organisation’s London head office and worldwide network of 40 branches.

Jonathan (31) joined Sully & Co (Bideford) in 2005 and four years’ later qualified as a Chartered Accountant.  The firm became part of the Haines Watts Group in 2011 and Jonathan was promoted to partner the following year.    He has a specialist knowledge of owner-managed businesses including in the agricultural sector. He relishes protecting clients from HM Revenue & Customs enquiries or investigations and has extensive experience of tax effective business incorporation.

Jonathan Gifford, Partner Haines Watts North Devon says: “The area of taxation is becoming more complex and HM Revenue & Customs are having to be increasingly forceful having been given more power than ever to collect taxes. Many are put off sitting the Chartered Tax Adviser exams due to their rigorous nature and therefore, I am delighted to have passed my examinations on my first attempt.  There are very few qualified Chartered Tax Advisers in Practice and the in-depth knowledge I have gained complements the qualifications and experience I already have.  The CTA qualification helps give clients peace of mind that their adviser is both able to help them comply with the rules, whilst importantly, helping them arrange their personal or business affairs to minimise their tax burden.”

John Edwards, Managing Partner Haines Watts North Devon says: “I am absolutely delighted with Jon’s newly acquired qualifications which were well-deserved as CTA tax examinations are particularly difficult and challenging.  He worked extremely hard and this great result has added to a very successful 2014 for the firm.  In addition to Jon becoming a fully-qualified Tax Advisor, Haines Watts was voted ‘Accountancy Firm of the Year – Small, Medium Size Entities (SMEs’), at the annual Financial Directors (FDs) Excellence Awards.  The award was recently announced on the back of the Haines Watts group winning ‘Auditor of the Year’ in the SME category for two consecutive years.  These exciting developments clearly demonstrate that our smart thinking and broad range of accountancy services is valued and respected by our clients across the region.”

www.hwca.com/accountants-north-devon

Local Chartered Accountants Expand Corporate Team

L – R

John Edwards and Louisa Roberts

Haines Watts North Devon

Bideford-based chartered accountants Haines Watts North Devon LLP announces the new appointment of 29 year old Louisa Roberts as Senior Commercial Manager.

Experts in analysing commercial challenges and opportunities, Haines Watts North Devon offers practical solutions in accounting, tax planning, retirement and succession servicing an extensive portfolio of over 500 owner managed businesses including corporate, professionals, small businesses and sole traders across the South West. 

Born and bred in North Devon, Louisa was a former student of West Buckland School.  After a University education she joined her parents in their thriving electronics business based in Bideford giving her real life experience of how a family business operates. Louisa then went to work for a local accountancy firm and became a Chartered Accountant in 2011.   

Louisa joins former colleague Matthew Melksham to strengthen the growing corporate team.  She comments:  “I am looking forward to taking on this new role and working with Matt again as well as the other partners.  Haines Watts has a client-centred approach which means that we can take the time to really understand the client’s needs. My role is to look after owner managed businesses of any size and my experience has given me a good grounding in what is important to business-owners.  With a strong audit background I believe as a team we can really add value to the larger corporate businesses in North Devon”.

Matthew Melksham – Partner Haines Watts North Devon LLP says:  “It is great to work with Louisa again as she brings her enthusiasm and vast experience in the sector. Louisa will fit very well into our team as she understands that as a practice we are here to help our clients prosper and grow”.  

www.hwca.com/acccountants-north-devon

Rural Consultancy Appoints New Farming Consultant

Haines Watts Rural Business LLP, sister firm to Bideford-based Chartered Accountants Haines Watts North Devon LLP announce the appointment of Lucy Thomas as a farming consultant.  Rural Business LLP agricultural consultants assist with decision making in response to ever-changing agricultural market conditions and cover all aspects of farm business management with clients across the South West.

A farmer’s daughter, Lucy graduated from Harper Adams with honours gaining experience in Land agency including Land Sales, Single Farm Payment and Planning when working for Rendells.  Lucy followed on as a South West Food and Farming Adviser for the National Farmers Union prior to joining Haines Watts Rural Business. 

Lucy’s new role is to be actively involved with clients offering sound advice and support in response to the dynamic agricultural market.   She will provide farm consulting on all aspects of rural business including budgeting, landlord and tenant matters, planning applications, grant schemes and technical performance across the region.

 

Lucy Thomas, Consultant – Haines Watts Rural Business LLP says: “I am passionate about farming and very excited about this new role with a well-respected firm which specialises in the agricultural sector. I am looking forward to supporting the team and also working with clients and getting in new business.”

Mike Feneley, Partner Haines Watts Rural Business LLP says: “At Haines Watts Rural Business we understand the challenges faced by progressive and dynamic agricultural enterprises.   Lucy has farming in her blood and her knowledge and passion for agriculture will be a great asset to the Haines Watts team.  As the youngest member of the team she has a dynamic and enthusiastic personality coupled with impressive qualifications and practical experience. We are delighted to have her on board.”

www.hwca.com/agricultural_consultants