Tell us a bit about your career so far
I studied Biology at university as it was my favourite subject at school, but careers in research or teaching did not appeal to me.
I initially trained at a central London law firm in their trust team, studying first for my Association of Taxation Technicians, my Chartered Tax Advisor and later Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners qualifications. I then moved to a top 20 accountancy firm where I worked closely with the national head of trusts for six years, before joining Hazlewoods in June 2026.
What is it like being an accountant in the agricultural sector right now?
We have been incredibly busy with estate planning following the October 2024 Budget changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief, which has had a huge impact on farmers and landed estate owners alike, as well as business owners.
Many farmers who had previously intended to continue working their farms indefinitely have now actively sought estate planning advice, and we have been able to restructure farms and landed estates to ensure their continuity.
Both landed estates and farms typically have a very long lineage, often being passed down within the same family for generations, and many clients are understandably deeply concerned at the thought that they should be the generation to break the chain.
UK tax law only ever seems to get more complicated, and it is very rewarding to be able to guide clients through the quagmire of legislation and cases to help ensure long term succession, partly by mitigating any tax charges, but also by ensuring the correct ownership and control structures are in place to help facilitate the smooth running of the business to the satisfaction of all involved.
Why Hazlewoods?
The firm encapsulates a very high level of sector specific and tax technical knowledge, whilst retaining the agility and benefits of an independent firm.
My biology degree helps me to some extent with farming, but I am very fortunate in that many of the team grew up on farms and can support me with extensive industry knowledge (whilst I in turn can help them with the fiddly trust inheritance tax calculations!).
The team culture is very friendly and welcoming, and the wide range of clients ensures that no two days are the same.
