Our people

Key role at Kirk Newsholme:
Very much hands-on in his approach, Graham’s responsible for setting the firm’s strategy – but he’s equally involved in seeing strategies through into actions. He’s extremely passionate about Kirk Newsolme’s success – as well as that of its clients, whose service and satisfaction is the main focus of his role.

Working with a core team, he regularly reviews key areas of the firm’s business such as operating and financial performance, marketing, technology development and risk management policies.

Specialist areas of expertise:
There can hardly be a sector or aspect of business that’s eluded Graham in his 25 years as a chartered accountant! He has vast experience across several areas including construction, manufacturing and the service industries. Within each, he has worked closely with business owners to put together achievable growth strategies – as well as helping them to accomplish their personal and business goals.

What’s the most satisfying part of your role?
Knowing that we have added value in a client relationship - and the client appreciation of the work we do.

What was your first job?
Working on a construction site on a year’s placement whilst at University. I thoroughly enjoyed being outside and seeing the site develop through to its completion – despite my best efforts with a theodolite to prevent this!

My dream day away from the office would be...
an afternoon at Wembley with my sons, to see Leeds United lift the FA cup followed by a celebrationary dinner with all of my family and friends.

Key role at Kirk Newsholme:
The owner-managed sector is Mark’s main area of focus. He draws on more than 20 years’ experience in providing accounting, audit and business advice. As well as making sure that the core services each client receives are 100% right, he takes an active role in helping his clients plan successfully for growth and development.

Specialist areas of expertise:
Mark enjoys helping a wide spectrum of clients, from the manufacturing and engineering sectors to areas as diverse as construction and the service industries. The audit and assurance services he delivers are always closely matched to each client’s individual circumstances. Another great strength is assisting in the development of highly effective, well-structured systems – essential to help drive profits, stimulate sales and ease cashflow.

What's the most satisfying part of your role?
Bringing together the expertise across our firm to deliver co-ordinated, value-for-money solutions to our clients’ challenges... and then seeing the tangible benefits that result from all this effort.

What was your first job?
As a 14-year-old schoolboy I sold turkeys on Leeds’ Kirkgate Market. I discovered the importance of customer service – and warm clothing!

My ideal day away from the office would be...
spent on the bank of any of Yorkshire’s rivers on the glorious 16th June – the first day of the coarse fishing season!

Key role at Kirk Newsholme:
Justin leads a team of tax specialists, overseeing a wide range of tax affairs for our clients. These range from family businesses through to large organisations. Justin makes it his business to understand what clients want to achieve in business and outside so that he can deliver appropriate tax planning solutions.

Specialist areas of expertise:
Hugely experienced in the tax field, Justin deals with all aspects of tax planning including remuneration strategies and business reorganisation. He also has the skills and know-how to conduct business disposals and purchases for clients. Looking after tax through the business cycle, from start up to retirement, he understands that needs change and that planning must be flexible.

What’s the most satisfying part of your role?
Taking the time to understand what a client wants to achieve commercially – and then structuring their affairs to provide a significant tax benefit. The planning is stimulating in itself, but what really counts is putting it into practice and seeing it through to the conclusion. That’s what I enjoy most!

What was your first job?
Working in the local pub; first behind the bar, then providing an evening and lunchtime food menu. I then went on to train as a chef (no jokes about cooking the books please!).

My ideal day away from the office would be...
a round of golf with friends, then out in the afternoon to a water park with my family (in a hot country), finished off with a lovely meal with family and friends in the evening… heaven!

Key role at Kirk Newsholme:
Jill’s broad range of responsibilities includes directing and developing the firm’s relationships for the benefit of its diverse range of clients. Jill has particular expertise in working closely with professional firms including architects and legal practices. She’s skilled in helping clients to identify specific needs and opportunities for enhanced business performance.

Specialist areas of expertise:
Communication and organisational skills are very much Jill’s forte – talents she uses to the full on behalf of Kirk Newsholme’s clients across all sectors.

What’s the most satisfying part of your role?
Our firm places great emphasis on investing in our junior members of staff; we hope that they will stay with us for the long term and be our future stars. So, we put a good deal of energy and resource into training, giving our team every opportunity to learn and develop new strengths. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing junior members of staff make things happen for our clients and get that sense of achievement.

What was your first job?
During my University gap year I worked as a barmaid in a real ‘spit and sawdust’ pub, where the boss used to give me the unenviable task of literally pulling customers through the door. It was a real learning curve and I believe I developed some very useful customer service skills!

My ideal day away from the office would be...
spending the day on a cold, wild and windy beach with the family (although the Swiss Alps in Summer comes a close second) followed by a gorgeous dinner – to include a chocolate pudding of some sort – and then an evening at the theatre watching my favourite musical, Chicago.

Key role at Kirk Newsholme:
Neill provides business advisory services to a range of owner-managed and family businesses. He also helps to develop the firm’s young, enthusiastic and talented team of people.

Neill’s approach is all about working closely with clients, gaining the in-depth knowledge of their businesses. He then uses this knowledge to help formulate business and financial strategiesthat make a real difference. In doing this, he draws on broad experience gained in both local independent practices and major international accountancy firms. In his 25-year career, Neill has dealt with businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to PLC’s.

Specialist areas of expertise:
Neill has particularly strong expertise and interest in manufacturing and engineering. Property-related businesses are another area where Neill’s considerable experience is a great benefit to his clients.

What’s the most satisfying part of your role?
There are two really. Firstly, seeing clients act upon the advice given and gaining a concrete benefit as a result. Secondly, passing on the benefit of my experience to my younger team members, developing the new generation of practising accountants.

What was your first job?
Not counting the paper round, I spent my school holidays working as a gardener for the local council. I wasn’t very good at it, but at least I ended up with a much better sun tan than on any overseas holiday, as it hardly rained during those six weeks!

My ideal day away from the office would be...
an early morning round of golf with friends at my local club, followed by watching England thrash the Aussies at the Headingley test match. I’d then return home to spend some time with my wife and three daughters… and hopefully avoid being nagged too much before celebrating with a good bottle of red later in the evening!

Key role at Kirk Newsholme:
A highly qualified Chartered Financial Planner, Peter works very closely with us to provide advice aimed at maximising clients’ investments and – where possible – reducing tax liabilities. His role involves identifying and carefully considering benefits both to the business and the individual.

Specialist areas of expertise:
Whilst Peter is highly capable of advising across all areas of independent financial advice, he is particularly skilled in the areas of retirement and tax planning.

What’s the most satisfying part of your role?
It’s the point where I almost become an “invisible” professional partner to a client. It is incredibly satisfying and rewarding to feel that a client has put their trust in you and your advice – and of course, the ultimate goal is achieving their objectives.

What was your first job?
As a boy I worked on an ice cream van. For a sixteen year old it really was a great job – not only did I get paid but I got to eat as much ice cream as I liked!

My ideal day away from the office would be...
A round of golf with Tiger Woods, finished off with dinner at Sous Le Nez in Leeds.

Key role at Kirk Newsholme:
A highly qualified Chartered Financial Planner, Tony provides investment advice and strategic financial planning solutions to individuals and families (private clients), the trustees of private trusts and businesses to help them to build, manage and protect their wealth.

Specialist areas of expertise:
Although Tony covers a broad range of financial planning areas, he is particularly skilled in the areas of investment and retirement planning.

What’s the most satisfying part of your role?
Developing strong personal working relationships with clients from all walks of life to provide trusted advice and support. Then meeting them year after year and working together to develop their plans and watching them come to fruition.

What was your first job?
Whilst at sixth form, a weekend job in a ‘down to earth’ working mans club in the North East collecting glasses. A baptism of fire into the world of work and a great people watching experience!

My ideal day away from the office would be...
A few hours on a long leafy trail in autumn on my mountain bike, finished off with dinner at home, (my wife’s cooking) with my family and friends.