David qualified as a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser with a “Big 4” international practice, where he spent 8 years specialising in tax planning and tax mitigation advice to owner-managed businesses. He brought that expertise to Ribchesters when he became a partner in 1994, and has since gained wide recognition as a specialist in tax planning, the property sector and in advising on business acquisitions and disposals. David also has extensive tax investigation experience and leads the firm’s tax investigations and litigation support services. David’s professional philosophy is that no challenge is insurmountable, and he approaches life away from work in a similar fashion! His main interests are skiing, running up and down mountains (having competed in more than 250 races, including 22 Ben Nevis races) cycling (including cycling more than 3,000 miles through Spain, Morocco, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania in recent years raising more than £15,000 for charity). Unfortunately David’s active participation in football and cricket over many years now only involves active spectating!

David qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Ribchesters. He then spent a period working as an Audit manager for a large regional practice in Newcastle before re-joining Ribchesters in 2000. David was appointed partner in 2002. David is highly experienced in advising family companies, professional practices, charities and academies on audit, accounting and taxation matters. He is one of a handful of practitioners in the region to hold the ICAEW accredited Diploma in Charity Accounting. David is also skilled in advising clients on appropriate accounting software solutions. He likes to work closely with his clients and has acted as quasi Finance Director for a number of companies over the last 15 years. David plays squash competitively and enjoys cycling, fell walking and spending time with his family.

Rob qualified as a Chartered Accountant with a mid-tier firm in London before moving to a specialist tax role with ‘Big 4’ firm Deloitte in the City before joining Ribchesters in 2010. Rob has a wealth of knowledge in accounting, audit and tax matters for owner managed businesses including; income and capital tax planning, corporation tax, remuneration strategies and business restructuring. Rob is a particular specialist in the area of Research and development tax relief and has a growing number of clients in the fintech sector. Rob dedicates significant time to charitable organisations and similar groups; he is a trustee of a number of local charities and trusts and involved with a number of social enterprises. Rob is also Chairman of the Board of Governors of Durham School. Outside of work Rob enjoys spending time with his family and three young children and playing golf when he can.

Lesley is a Certified Chartered Accountant with more than 20 years’ experience in a senior role and joined the firm from Tait Walker/Azets. Having worked in the North East throughout her career, Lesley has gained her experience working with a wide range of clients, predominantly with owner managed businesses including those in the property, retail, agriculture and pharmaceutics sectors. Lesley also brings with her significant audit experience which enhances the existing audit team at the firm. Lesley also brings a wealth of knowledge to contribute to the existing leadership team, having held similar roles for a large proportion of her working career. Lesley’s role at Ribchesters focusses on supporting existing clients and assisting with the firm’s ambitious growth plans across the region and beyond. Lesley is also HR Partner, responsible for nurturing and developing the firm’s talent by mentoring both new and existing staff to ensure all are reaching their full potential.

Jack graduated with an honors degree in Economics and Accounting from Newcastle University in 1982 and earned his Masters Degree in Philology at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2012. Jack qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the firm in 1984. He then spent several years in senior financial positions in Hong Kong, before returning to the firm as a Partner in 1992. He remains a valued partner in our Newcastle office, but retains substantial consultancy interests overseas. Jack spends much of his time in the Far East. Jack is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin and English and is uniquely placed to provide advice on inward investment to Hong Kong, China and the Far East as well as investment into the UK. He is also equipped to provide business advisory and tax advice to clients from Hong Kong who would be looking to settle in the UK under a BNO visa.

Mark qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the firm in 2010, which included exam passes that gained him two separate awards for the highest marks in region. Since qualification, Mark progressed to become the full-time Audit and Accounts manager. Mark covers all areas of Audit and Accountancy for a wide variety of sectors, which include Construction, Retail, Academies and Charities. Mark leads our Cloud Accounting Solutions service

Amanda joined the firm in 1997 and qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 2003. She has since progressed to the role of Assistant Manager and is involved in the delivery of services to the firms largest clients. Amanda is also expert specialist on Sage Accounting Software products and is highly skilled in delivering training to clients on their use and implementation.