PKF Francis Clark appointment strengthens VAT and customs team

Based at the firm’s offices in Southampton and Poole, Joe Francis brings 20 years’ experience in taxation and has specialised in indirect taxes for the past 17 years. He joins from Grant Thornton and has spent most of his career with accountancy firms in the Southampton area. 

PKF Francis Clark has one of the largest and most experienced VAT, customs and indirect tax advisory teams in the country. Its marine specialists provide business support to British Marine, the membership organisation for the leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry. 

Simon Anslow, partner and head of VAT, said: “We’re delighted that Joe has joined our team. His specialist knowledge will be a great asset to the firm and our clients across a wide range of sectors. This is also a key appointment as we continue to grow the team at our new Southampton office.” 

Joe said: “Since joining I’ve been really impressed with how tight-knit, friendly and knowledgeable the team is. Simon and I have collaborated on technical tax issues in the past and always got on really well, so I’m looking forward to working together to support clients with a variety of indirect tax matters, including the VAT implications of mergers, acquisitions and other transactions.” 

“I have a particular interest in the marine sector, where PKF Francis Clark is known for its expertise and has many clients, so the opportunity to do more specialist work in this area was another massive part of the firm’s appeal for me.” 

Getting to grips with VAT, customs and indirect taxes can be complicated for businesses, especially since Brexit. PKF Francis Clark’s dedicated team of experts bring a wealth of real world experience to bear on issues including moving goods across borders, e-commerce, mergers and acquisitions, VAT registrations and compliance. They have specialist expertise in advising businesses in sectors including land and property, marine, not-for-profit, leisure and tourism, healthcare and professional practices. Many of the team have previously worked for HM Revenue & Customs, making them ideally qualified to advise on tax enquiries, investigations and dispute resolution. 

As members of the PKF international network, the firm’s tax specialists regularly collaborate with colleagues in the UK and around the world to help clients achieve their ambitions in international trade. 

Joe, whose interests outside work include keeping fit, cycling and travel, joins a firm where health and wellbeing is very much a focus, in the belief that happy teams mean happy clients. PKF Francis Clark is certified as a Great Place to Work and earlier this year was ranked among the UK’s Best Workplaces for Wellbeing. It was also a finalist in the Best Employer in Tax category of the prestigious 2023 Tolley’s Taxation Awards. 

PKF Francis Clark recently welcomed guests including clients and fellow professionals to a launch event for its office on Southampton Science Park, which opened last year. 

Holly Bobbins Photography 

More information can be found at pkf-francisclark.co.uk