I am one of a fortunate few who is lucky enough to love my job, and I love coming into the office every day. That hasn’t always been the case: setting up a successful professional firm is not easy. But we are now fortunate to have a great team of people with fantastic skills. The result is that I am passionate about cbsl accountants, having founded the firm over 15 years ago. I care about the people that work for us, and the clients that we look after.
One of my prime responsibilities is to take leadership for our values. I care passionately about my family—Emma and our five children: Ollie, Saffie, Tom, Frank, and Max. That perspective helps me understand the needs of our staff and our clients when it comes to caring for their own families. We work in an extremely family-orientated firm. Our staff appreciate this, and in turn respect their responsibilities back to our firm. Why not call in some time and see the art produced by our children that hangs on our walls—a gentle reminder of what truly matters during our working day. We specialise in succession planning and believe that our family values stand us apart from other professionals in providing that advice. We don't think we could do that as well as we do without our family-centric approach.
I believe in simplicity: we live in a noisy and complex world, and I think we should do our best to translate complex aspects of business and taxation into language that our clients understand. A core part of my role is, essentially, as an interpreter.
I also believe that if something is on one of our client’s minds now, then I should be available to discuss it when they need to. That can present a challenge—what if a client wakes up early concerned about something? Well, basically, if I can, I will speak to you at any time that you need me to. I know that our clients accept that this is not always possible and respect my time as well as they do their own. All accountants should have the ability to advise you: my role is to add affability and availability to that expectation. I want you to be able to speak to me when you need to, and I want you to enjoy that interaction.
Those of you who have visited my profile before will know that my profile pic used to be me with my Felt time-trialling bike. After a brief detour into running, I’ve returned to cycling—less pounding on the joints, and more joy in the journey. I regularly ride long distances in training and find it a meditative way to clear the mind. That said, I’m a little more cautious these days. A few years ago in Tenerife, I was descending Mt Teide when the cyclist in front ran out of talent (and tarmac) at a hairpin. His fall was broken—unfortunately, by a cactus. A shame too to have left some of his suntan on the mountain road.
I’ve never really believed in work life: home life balance… I have one life and am lucky enough to mix the two. When I'm not working for clients or for our firm, and I am spending time doing just what I like, then I enjoy French wine, food, and exercise; the exercise compensates for my love of the other two! If I’m not out on the bike, I go to the gym and train every day.
My favourite meal is one shared with our children. I love dinner with them on holiday, sitting outside as the sun sets but it still feels warm. I love dinner in France—eating food that is simple but local, home-cooked, and authentic. Essentially, I love time with Emma and the children, and the opportunity to relax, appreciating food, wine, and their company.
That said, being home in the kitchen, cooking dinner (cooking is another of my passions), a glass of wine, leaning against the Aga is also hard to beat. Putting a plate of good food in front of people is a particular pleasure.
