Adam Waller has joined Cooper Parry as head of tax consulting. Based in Manchester, Adam will lead the national tax advisory channel, driving strategic advisory work across business tax, private client, and transaction tax.
Adam brings over 25 years’ tax experience, including the last 14 at PwC, where he advised a wide range of clients and was the market senior partner for the north west, from entrepreneurial start-ups to large corporates and high net worth individuals.
In his new role at Cooper Parry, Adam will lead a national team focused on partnering clients to deliver high-value, strategic tax outcomes. His areas of expertise include shareholder exits, succession planning, employee incentives, inheritance tax, and efficient business and wealth structuring – key priorities for private businesses, entrepreneurs, and high net worth clients across the UK.
Simon Baines, head of tax, said: ‘Adam’s arrival is a major boost for our tax team. He brings deep technical knowledge, commercial insight, and a passion for helping clients navigate complex challenges. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to expand our national advisory offering.’
Meera Rajah, who is a partner at James Cowper Kreston, has been appointed as chair to the Kreston Global indirect taxes group.
Meera has almost 30 years’ experience, starting her indirect tax career when she trained and qualified with HM Customs and Excise. She joined James Cowper Kreston in 2012, establishing a tax advisory team, which she now leads as partner. Her experience covers business restructuring, VAT cost reduction strategies, international cross border supply chains, partial exemption methods, land and property transactions, film production, charities, VAT planning and mitigation and dispute resolution with HMRC.
Meera said: ‘I’ve seen first-hand how sharing technical and practical indirect tax expertise across teams can drive engagement and deliver tangible value. I’m delighted to take on the role of chair and will continue to focus on encouraging open collaboration across the network.’
Liza Robbins, chief executive, said: ‘Meera was already a long-standing, active and highly respected member of the group, so her appointment as chair of the indirect tax group had the full support of its members. It reflects her proven leadership, technical insight, and strong commitment to collaboration across the network. She brings both strategic vision and practical experience to the role, and I’m confident she will continue to raise the profile and impact of this important special interest group.’
Johnston Carmichael has promoted Craig Burnie and Stephen Oates to partner.
Craig joined the firm in 2015, a year after qualifying, and worked in various teams before specialising in transaction taxes. Based in Glasgow, he is experienced in delivery of both corporation tax compliance and tax advisory work for owner managed businesses and large groups.
Stephen, who works across central Scotland and beyond, joined in August 2022 and has more than 17 years’ experience in tax. He has expertise in working with owner-managed businesses. He is also head of entrepreneurial taxes and leads the firm’s wider employer services offering.
PKF Francis Clark has promoted three new directors in the tax team. They are Charles Richards (Torquay), who joined the firm in 2015 and advises individuals and families on inheritance tax planning, trusts and estates; Kate Culley (Torquay), a share plans and incentives specialist; and Rachel Addiss (Poole), who advises owner-managed businesses on corporate reorganisations and shareholder taxation.
Stuart Crippin has joined Irwin Mitchell’s London-based high net worth and international private client team as partner.
He joins from Seddons GSC where he led the private client department and has more than 15 years’ experience advising complex and high-value estates. His specialisms are in UK tax and estate planning for both domestic and international clients with UK connections. Stuart also advises on the UK tax implications of settling estate and trust disputes.
Claire-Marie Cornford, who heads the high net worth and international private client team, said: ‘I am absolutely delighted to welcome Stuart to the team. His technical excellence and collaborative style make him a perfect fit for our practice. He and I worked together at Mishcon de Reya, and I know first-hand the value he brings to clients and colleagues alike.’
Stuart added: ‘I am thrilled to be joining Irwin Mitchell and reuniting with Claire-Marie. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the team.’
His appointment comes as Irwin Mitchell marks 30 years in the capital with a move to its new London base at the Northcliffe building.
PKF Smith Cooper has hired two indirect tax managers Ali Garner and Tony Chamberlain.
Ali has previously supported university clients and clients in the education sector, as well as many clients who have experienced rapid-growth and change in its business post-Brexit. She joins from KPMG where she gained experience working with bigger clients in a variety of sectors, including businesses who trade outside the UK.
Tony returns to PKF Smith Cooper as indirect tax manager from NHS Property Services. He has worked in VAT for more than ten years, having started his career at HMRC as hidden economy manager, before moving to a VAT advisory role in 2018. He has experience working in the private sector and for universities, not-for-profits, SMEs and accountancy intermediaries. Tony has worked in all areas of VAT and specialises in VAT land and property transactions and cross-border trade.
Ali said: ‘I’m looking forward to going back to working with SMEs and OMBs, and I’m really excited to be bringing some cross border and customs knowledge to the team. It’s great to have so many local clients we can go out and see, as well as with some clients further afield thanks to technology.’
Tony said: ‘I’m delighted to be returning as VAT manager. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with former clients and continuing the work we started together, while also embracing the opportunity to build new relationships and support fresh challenges.’
Gavin West, VAT and indirect taxes partner, said: ‘We are always searching for top talent to join our VAT team, and it is great to welcome Ali to the firm and welcome Tony back. Their specialist knowledge will be a great asset to our growing team.’
Mark Taylor has been made partner in HW Fisher’s business solutions practice. With over 17 years in professional services, Mark brings a wealth of technical knowledge and a client-focused ethos to his new role. He delivers end-to-end accounting and tax solutions across both corporate and personal spheres, with particular expertise in compliance, strategic advisory and growth support for SMEs, start-ups and owner-managed businesses.
IRIS Software Group has appointed Jason Dies as its new chief executive officer (CEO). He succeeds Gus Malezis, who has served as interim CEO and will continue with his role as chair of the board.
Steven Martin has joined Hampshire accountancy and business advice firm HWB as senior tax manager. He most recently spent five years at Dorset-based Ward Goodman Ltd.
Steven will focus on complex tax issues including aspects of capital gains tax, inheritance tax, business succession planning, capital disposals, estate accounts and assisting clients with probate.
Managing director Tracy Jenkins said: ‘Steven is an expert tax manager with substantial knowledge and experience gained over 17 years in practice. His skills will complement those of our team and help strengthen our offering to individuals and business clients.’
Claritas has recruited Katy Thomson as corporate tax partner in its Glasgow office. She specialises in advising owner-managed businesses and entrepreneurs on a range of tax planning and issues including exits, mergers, acquisitions and business structures.
Stuart Brodie, partner and Glasgow office lead, said: ‘I am enormously excited to welcome Katy. Her extensive expertise and reputation for proactive tax advice will significantly enhance our capabilities, allowing us to better serve our clients and address their complex tax needs.’
In addition, Justine Stalker has joined as tax partner and head of Claritas’ new Leeds office.
She brings more than 26 years’ tax experience, specialising in research and development, shareholder taxes, corporate reorganisations and mergers and acquisitions advisory,
Matt Hodgson, partner and Manchester office lead continued: ‘We are incredibly excited to have Justine onboard to lead our charge into the Yorkshire market. Justine is incredibly well-regarded in this region, advising mid-market business owners on their personal and corporate tax affairs.’
BDO has announced two new partner hires.
David Lewis joins as a tax dispute resolution partner in the firm’s private client services team in London. Formerly with Forvis Mazars, he has over 25 years’ experience working in investigative tax. He will be working with both high-net-worth individuals and complex corporate organisations.
James Dye joins as a tax partner, bringing a wealth of experience working alongside mid-market companies in the Thames Valley and south west regions. He will be responsible for developing the employment tax services business in the southern region, working across a wide range of sectors. James will be based in the firm’s Reading office and joins from Deloitte.
Head of tax Adam Frais said: ‘David and James’s appointments are part of our ongoing investment into talented and high-performing individuals who offer a broad range of bespoke services. Both David and James bring a wealth of experience and expertise and are a valuable fit for our firm and culture.’
