People really are at the heart of Hazlewoods, with a wide range of talented individuals we delve into what makes them tick. Continuing our spotlight series of interviews, here we catch up with Tom Verity our new Corporate Tax Partner.
What is your background and why Hazlewoods?
I studied economics at the University of Warwick and went on to train in the business tax department of BDO in Birmingham working with a range of clients from local manufacturers to large listed groups. Post qualification I spent time working in industry covering a broad range of tax matters through compliance, reporting, controversy and M&A before returning to practice at EY in Reading. In my last role I helped to lead a regional team supporting corporate clients with UK and international tax matters.
Gaining a professional qualification following university seemed like a sensible choice at the time and something that would provide a solid foundation for whatever came next (!) but I ended up finding a really rewarding career in tax. I enjoy the intellectual challenge of an ever-changing subject matter and more importantly helping clients navigate through it.
I joined Hazlewoods in July to help lead our corporate tax practice and expand our service offering following a period of significant growth for the firm. I was drawn to Hazlewoods due to its strong reputation in the market and admirable client base as well as the opportunity to continue to develop and grow a talented team.
What is your role at Hazlewoods?
I am a Corporate Tax Partner focused primarily on larger corporate groups who are often private equity backed, advising across the full range of tax matters impacting them.
I enjoy really getting to know my client’s unique business and then using my experience and expertise to deliver practical advice that is clear, easy to understand and enables them to operate efficiently and in compliance with UK tax law.
What is unique/different about Hazlewoods?
Hazlewoods has successfully established itself as a leading advisory firm in several sectors including healthcare, veterinary, legal and farms and estates. In addition, it has a fantastic corporate tax client base across the UK which spans multiple industries.
Hazlewoods are big enough to have experts in most accountancy, tax and advisory services as well as specialist consultancy offerings such as business intelligence; yet small enough to have strong close working relationships across all of their specialisms. So, no matter what your industry sector, Hazlewoods have a dedicated one team approach which is unique in the industry. The strength of our working relationships and range of expertise is what makes their clients constantly refer Hazlewoods to their own network.
What do you do outside of work?
My young family and working life keep me very busy but when I do find time, I enjoy getting outdoors, running and generally being active. I also like cooking and pretty much anything food related and have a keen interest in politics and current affairs.
Finally, if you weren’t doing your current role, what other profession would you have considered?
Probably something that allowed me to spend a little more time outdoors and away from the desk though I am saying this in the middle of a summer day!
