Thames Valley: James Cowper Kreston tax team highly ranked

Accountants and business advisers James Cowper Kreston has been named as having one of the top six tax teams in the UK.

Accountancy Age magazine in its annual British Accountancy Awards has shortlisted the firm for its rapidly-expanding VAT team.  The winners will be announced on November 29.

Over the past two years James Cowper Kreston’s VAT team has  grown from just one person focused exclusively on VAT compliance to a four-strong sophisticated advisory and compliance practice.

Its real strength lies in identifying and correcting the errors made by previous firms of accountants – a position in the market that stands it apart from its immediate Thames Valley and South Coast competitors.

Meera Rajah, director and head of VAT, said: “The VAT landscape is incredible complex, particularly for UK businesses doing business internationally and for overseas businesses with a UK presence.  We have built a team that understands and can guide clients through this landscape.  We are thrilled to have been recognised by Accountancy Age magazine in its annual awards.”

The team is led by Meera Rajah who joined the firm in October 2012, following a 14-year career in Customs.  In May 2015, Nigel Waterfield joined the firm following an over 30-year career at HMRC where he specialised in many areas of VAT. The firm also has two other associates within the team.

Over the past two years the team has seen demand for its services increase by 625%.

Robert Holland, James Cowper Kreston’s managing partner, said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to the VAT team on being shortlisted for this award.  The team has developed rapidly over the past two years into a technical powerhouse and a resource that our clients have come to depend upon.”