Paul joined BDO in 2000 and is national head of private client services at BDO and is a partner within BDO’s London Tax Group. He has a varied client base comprising entrepreneurs, entertainers and both UK and international families. He advises them on personal tax affairs both in the UK and abroad, advising them on estate planning matters. Recognised by Spears Magazine as one of the top ten Tax Accountants in the wealth management industry.

What interested you in pursuing a career in the private client space?

I like helping people to succeed.

What matters are clients coming to you with most over the past year? What is driving this?

Changing perspectives post lockdown have led to some clients re-evaluating their priorities, leading to conversations around succession plans.

What recent developments in national and international tax are most affecting your clients?

The increasingly co-ordinated drive for transparency internationally is leading to clients paying for assurance that their tax affairs are in order cross border.

To what extent is the increasing client scrutiny over costs affecting your practice, and how are you adapting accordingly?

I think clients want value from their relationships – we need to show that.

How does your background in tax matters enhance the offering you bring to clients?

Firstly I want to understand what the client is trying to achieve before I apply my tax knowledge.

What aspect of your practice do you enjoy the most?

Developing talent.

What makes BDO stand out from its competitors in the market?

Our global reach.

As national head of private client services at BDO, how are you looking to develop the group over the next few years?

Focus on ensuring that the market understands the breadth of our offering.