Andrew takes up the role of head of private client at West Midlands-based Prime after gaining widespread experience with global firms including Deloitte, PwC and Grant Thornton.
He brings extensive experience in advising high-net-worth individuals, international families and trustees on complex private client tax matters, specialising in inheritance tax (IHT) and capital gains tax planning.
Andrew is the fourth director-level appointment made in the last 18 months at Prime, which has offices in Solihull, Birmingham and Coventry.
He is joined in the tax team by fellow new starter, tax manager Jagdeep Sahota, alongside established directors Paislei Godley and Stuart Gooderham.
He said: “It’s really exciting to work with a growing business like Prime so the team can benefit from the experience I've garnered over the years. It is a very impressive business, with a uniform, consistent approach, which I really like.
“My early impressions are they are great people to work with – friendly, welcoming and clearly forward-thinking in everything they do.”
Andrew has a particular interest in UK family-owned businesses, including farming and landed estates, and specialises in helping clients navigate succession planning, asset transfers and long-term wealth preservation.
He said supporting clients with the ever-changing legislation around inheritance tax (IHT) will be a major focus of his work.
“Many owners of family trading businesses who have never had to think about IHT before will now need to focus on this aspect very carefully. There was previously little incentive for strategic planning, but now successful businesses can face real problems paying their IHT, so it’s very important they have a strategy in place,” he added.
“For us at Prime, this means adding depth of experience in IHT, introducing a consulting-led approach, and providing bespoke solutions for clients. Too often, people are sold a product when what’s really needed is a bespoke solution.”
Outside of his day job, Andrew is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, a Trust and Estate Practitioner, and a member of the Association of Tax Technicians. A respected voice within the tax profession, Andrew also writes regularly for the professional press.
Morgan Davies, managing director at Prime Accountants Group, said: “This is a flagship appointment for us of an extremely experienced IHT and business property relief specialist.
“With government rules changing before Christmas, a significant number of businesses will need support, and through Prime we are well placed to provide that.
“In addition to Andrew, Jagdeep is another senior hire who joins us from a national firm and further bolsters an exceptional team.
“We have made four director-level appointments in the last 18 months through organic growth. This reflects strong succession planning and our ability to attract high-quality talent because we are passionately independent and have a fantastic client base.
“The move of tax specialists from large firms to regional practices is a great story and highlights the strength and appeal of our firm.”
