Clive Owen LLP's tax team is fast becoming one of the North's in demand advisers for businesses and individuals looking to stay ahead of an increasingly complex tax landscape.
The firm’s respected tax offering is one of the core strengths of the business, and is identified as an important growth area as part of the wider practice’s ambitious strategy to significantly increase its 150-strong workforce by 2030.
Widely regarded as one of the region’s leading independent accountancy firms, with geographical presence from York to Newcastle, with Middlesbrough, Darlington and Durham in between, Clive Owen LLP remains proudly independent, a crucial factor that has contributed to its continued, organic growth in recent years.
“This is a firm where we can deliver high quality advice, but with a personal approach,” explains David Baggaley, Partner and Head of Tax, who joined the firm in 2022 from the one of the “Big Four”.
“Tax has always been one of the core strengths of the business and that was a vital factor in my decision to make the move to an independent practice. What stood out to me was the quality of the client base and the belief that I could add value to the team and enhance the profile of an already strong tax practice.”
The team is continuing to grow, offering career opportunities for experienced professionals and trainees alike, with the expectation that Clive Owen LLP’s tax team will be 25 strong by the end of the year.
Lee Watson, Tax Partner, has been with the firm for over 12 years and has seen a huge expansion in the tax team from seven tax practitioners to now over three times that number.
He said: “Tax is one of the biggest burdens for an individual or business. While we deliver high-quality compliance work, our real focus is on helping clients manage their tax position through practical, tailored advice, with many of the team possessing Big Four and national experience.”
For Elizabeth Layfield, Associate Tax Partner, a straightforward approach from the firm’s founder, Clive Owen, has remained a constant that has served her well over the last 28 years with the practice.
“Clive’s mantra was to be proactive, a very overused word in today’s professional services, but not back then,” she explains.
“He used to say, ‘if you don’t look after the client, someone else will’ and that has been the approach that I have taken in my career. It has been incredible to be part of the firm’s growth journey, launch new offices, take on new partners and represent amazing clients.”
Having enjoyed strong growth across the Tees Valley, fuelled by increased demand across Clive Owen LLP’s service lines, the next natural step was to establish a presence further North.
The firm opened its Newcastle office in 2024, led by Tax Partner Stephen Harris. Since then the team has grown to double figures, with plans in place to expand into a new city centre location in the near future.
“I was impressed by the firm’s ethos of offering a tailored, client-focused service, which is something that I truly value. The Newcastle office has continued to grow significantly, led in part by our growing range of tax services and specialist personnel.”
He added: “We are excited for what the future holds for us in Newcastle, with a new, larger office in the heart of the city centre adding to what has been a successful 18 months here.”
Clive Owen LLP’s growth on Tyneside has been supported by a strong recruitment drive of respected tax professionals, including Associate Tax Partner Elizabeth Rothery, and a demand for services following announcements delivered in consecutive Budgets.
“These have impacted businesses and individuals quite significantly, but with effective tax planning and proactive advice, we have helped clients mitigate these additional tax burdens,” Elizabeth says.
Inheritance Tax matters, among other measures announced by the Chancellor, have contributed to a strong rise in demand for our services. We take great pride in navigating clients through what can be tricky situations and enhancing their tax positions in a timely manner.”
Cross-office collaboration and a one team approach play a massive role in the ongoing success of the firm, with clients able to access multiple specialisms, regardless of their geographical location.
Angela Mikola, Associate Tax Partner, is leading Clive Owen LLP’s tax expansion further in York.
She said: “Whilst York is the most distant of the offices, we collaborate regularly and emphasise a one team approach to clients and the team itself, which works hand in hand and continues to produce excellent results.”
Hydeam Sulton is the most recent tax partner to join the practice, in February 2026 and leads the firm’s VAT and Indirect Tax provision – a dedicated service line that is set to benefit clients from a range of sectors.
“My remit is to help our clients navigate the complex world of VAT, which does not particularly align with the logic of other taxes,” Hydeam explains.
“Getting it wrong can cause a business significant issues. Our team is highly experienced in a variety of tax matters and would be happy to help you or your business.”
It is an exciting time for Clive Owen LLP, as its growing tax offering continues to build momentum and drive further expansion across the North.
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