Neil’s practice combines growing businesses, entrepreneurs and private clients where he provides a range of compliance, advisory and transaction services spanning accounting, taxation, commercial and general business support.
He spent five years of his early career at the head office of an engineering subsidiary of a well known multinational corporation. After going back to private practice and completing his qualifications as a Chartered and as a Certified Accountant, he became a partner of the firm in 1986 and subsequently qualified as a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, a qualification which he regards as his most prized. Whilst many of his clients who have been with him for over 20 years regard him as a source of pragmatic and proactive advice across a wide range of commercial and financial issues, he maintains an active portfolio of corporate and property clients that often have an international element.
As a result of Neil’s broad experience he has an extensive network of contacts in media and entertainment, fashion, the music industry, the property sector, private finance and stockbroking, all of which are a valuable resource to his many clients.
Media, Entertainment and Arts Sector
Neil heads our Media, Entertainment and Arts Group which is dedicated to serving the business and tax needs of individuals and corporate entities operating in the fields of media (television, film, advertising, publishing etc), entertainment, music, sports, fashion and design. We also have a growing number of managing agents and several opera, theatre and orchestra clients. Typically, such clients require a high level of support across a range of commercial issues – often under extreme time pressure – but delivered in a personal and cost-effective manner. A number of Neil’s clients in this sector are high profile celebrities requiring the utmost discretion and specialist taxation advice and the ability to balance corporate and personal financial interests.
Property sector and deals
Over the last 15 years Neil has advised on approximately £1 billion of commercial property transactions, for buyers and sellers, particularly non-UK residents. This work has included liaising with solicitors, bankers and capital allowance specialists – often in a project management role, and advising on structuring and compliance to minimise the impact of direct tax, VAT and stamp duty in the UK.
For this work he can draw on a team of assistants and specialists in a range of property and taxation specialisms in the UK, and through MSI Global Alliance, in many overseas territories.
Tax advice and International deals
Neil’s qualifications and experience in tax enable him to identify planning opportunities at an early stage. He is experienced in advising individuals and companies on more basic tax compliance and planning matters as well as appraisals and structuring for disposals and acquisitions. He has particular expertise and experience in structuring inward investment in UK property by non resident corporations and individuals. He also has much experience on the corporate finance aspects of private deals.
Neil continues to advise many non-domiciliaries on structuring their UK tax affairs.
Qualifications
Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ACA)
Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CTA)
Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (FCCA)
Interests
Neil is a committed golfer and a member of Wentworth Golf Club playing off a handicap of 8. He travels extensively for both professional and personal reasons and is a regular participant in international amateur golf tournaments. He is a keen follower of most sports having played non league football and rugby as a teenager before being forced by injury to give up playing.
His other interests include restaurants and wine and he has been interviewed by BBC Radio 4’s “The Food Programme” on the subject of financing new restaurants. He has a passion for reading and The Times crossword.