Brown Butler looks at VAT service expansion via new director appointment

As the new year begins, Leeds-based accountancy firm Brown Butler has announced the appointment of a new VAT Director as the firm looks to build on the success of its existing services.

Experienced specialist James Hurst has joined the firm as its newly appointed VAT Director from an international accountancy firm, where he helped to spearhead the development of a successful indirect tax team.

He has more than 30 years’ experience in VAT, having left HM Revenue & Customs in 1995 to pursue a career as a Chartered Tax Adviser. He takes pride in helping businesses from across a wide range of sectors with VAT advice and support.

Speaking about his appointment, James said:

I am very excited to be joining Brown Butler. The practice is already well-known for its provision of VAT advice and support within Yorkshire and beyond.

“I hope that my previous experience and my passion for helping clients means that we can continue to support businesses with this complex area of taxation.

“VAT advice has become all the more essential for businesses right now, with many owners facing new challenges as a result of changes to the VAT regime on imports and exports as a result of the UK’s departure from the EU.”

As well as working with businesses on VAT matters, James also supports not-for-profit groups, including charities, schools, colleges, professional bodies, housing associations and local authorities.

Welcoming him to the firm Craig Hughes, a Director at Brown Butler, said:

We are delighted that James is joining our team. He has had a varied career in VAT and is driven to support clients and other professionals using his considerable expertise in this difficult field.

“We remain a leading practice for VAT issues and have connections across the UK and overseas, through our links with international accounting association DFK, which means that we are well-positioned to deal with global VAT matters, including registrations in other nations, which is critical for businesses adapting to recent changes in the UK’s trading relations.”

Within his new role, James Hurst also hopes to strengthen the firm’s connections with local businesses on VAT issues and further support other accountancy practices and solicitors with their queries.

Brown Butler is unique for a firm of its size in offering such a comprehensive VAT and tax advisory service, which is what sets it apart from other regional mid-tier firms.

To find out more about Brown Butler’s VAT services, please visit www.brownbutler.com/services/tax-planning/vat-support/