September 2023 VATWatch

Welcome to my September newsletter. Firstly I’d like to let you know that the office will be closed for holidays the week commencing 2^nd October.

1st September marks 25 years to the day from the start of my career in accounts and tax.

On this day in 1998, I started work at Baines Jewitt (then Baines, Goldston & Jackson) in Stockton as a trainee accountant. At the time, I had no idea what an accountant did – my mum just suggested I applied for the job as I was good at maths. The first few months were awful – I was so shy, I didn’t even dare pick the phone up to call a client!

Once I found my feet, though, I loved it and it was definitely the right decision as I stayed there for 20 years, gaining 4 professional qualifications and loads of great experience. It was a fantastic place to work and train and I got experience working with lots of different types of business. I started off doing a bit of everything but when the VAT specialist decided to retire in 2009, I was encouraged to step up and take his place. That was when I found my true calling – very rarely does someone choose a career in VAT, but for some of us, once you try it, you can’t go back!

 In 2018, I left to set up my own company and Bevan VAT Consultancy was born. I’ve left behind the accounts and other taxes, and focus purely on the intricacies of VAT. I advise lots of different businesses on the VAT treatment of their activities and every day is challenging but interesting, and I absolutely love it.

25 years on from my first terrifying day at Baines Jewitt, I am pleased to say that I still work with them regularly, providing VAT advice as and when they need it. It makes me very happy to be able to say that.

On 28^th September I will be presenting a VAT update for the CIOT. The online update will run from 17:30 to 19:00 and will cover developments in the last year.

The cost to attend is £40 for CIOT and ATT members or £60 for non-members.

Thank you for taking the time to read this VATwatch round-up.