Meet the team
Meet the team...
John Bailey - Managing Partner
John has twenty five years experience of advising owner-managed businesses on commercial matters. Prior to joining Haines Watts in Reading, he spent fifteen years in the City of London where he became a partner in a medium sized firm dealing with owner-managed businesses and public companies. He also spent time as finance director of a public company before deciding to return to the accountancy profession outside London.
During the past ten years at Haines Watts, John has led the firm's National Audit Committee which ensures that audit standards are rigorously controlled. In addition, he has extensive experience of monitoring European and international audit standards for the group.
John enjoys all sports but is particularly passionate about rugby and golf. He is a keen follower of London Wasps.
Peter Wright - Partner
Peter became a partner in the Reading office of Haines Watts in 1991, having qualified as a chartered accountant with the London office of a Big 4 firm. He also spent some time gaining experience in corporate finance in London before moving to the Thames Valley in the late ‘80s.
Peter has extensive experience of dealing with entrepreneurial businesses, ranging from start-ups through to public companies. He is particularly involved in the property sector, advising clients on commercial and tax-related matters. His engineering background means he is focused on problem-solving in order to arrive at the most appropriate solution for a wide range of different situations.
Peter enjoys sailing, walking, DIY and gardening.
Adrian Williams - Partner
Adrian became a partner in April 2009 having joined Haines Watts in October 2005 as Senior Manager of Audit and Assurance Services. He is FCCA qualified and comes with 20 years of general practice experience, supporting and advising both small and medium sized businesses, having previously held senior positions in firms in Surrey and Wiltshire during that time.
Adrian believes that the client / accountant relationship should be based on people rather than numbers, and is delighted to be part of such a client-focussed firm as Haines Watts.
Adrian is married and has three children, all of whom can be found on the rugby field on most Sunday mornings! He is a former director of a national charity and is Company Secretary of Surrey Chamber of Commerce.
On the rare occasion that Adrian has spare time, he enjoys coaching at Farnborough RFC, attempting to play tennis at Camberley LTC, and trying not to drown at Hart Leisure Centre! He is a keen follower of Premiership rugby and NBA basketball.
Vicky Fox - Consultant
Vicky is experienced in advising businesses to organize their affairs so that they make the most of tax-saving opportunities offered by legislation, whilst avoiding pitfalls.
Before joining Haines Watts in 1999 Vicky's previous experience was gained with Ernst & Young and Grant Thornton. In her role at Haines Watts, she advises UK subsidiaries of multinational groups as well as owner-managed businesses, and she has particular interest in corporate reconstruction, company sales and acquisitions.
Vicky suggests that consultation on proposed transactions should take place at the earliest stage. This ensures that all the options can be fully explored and the consequences clearly identified.
Vicky enjoys dancing Argentine Tango in the Thames Valley and buying exotic shoes at shopping resorts like Bluewater, and keeping fit.
Viru Patel - Tax Associate
Viru joined Haines Watts in December 2006, having spent the previous eight years working for two medium sized firms in London after a 13 year stay with Wilkins Kennedy in Egham. Like many tax professionals, he started his career with the Inland Revenue before venturing to the ‘other side’.
Viru advises on corporate, personal and employee taxation to a variety of companies and personal clients, and their associated businesses and trusts. He puts particular emphasis in giving a personal and professional service to all his clients, and encourages all clients to contact him for advice before embarking on transactions which could encounter pitfalls or potential opportunity.
Away from the office, Viru likes to watch cricket, having played regularly in his younger days, and can still be found with a bat in his hand playing in the occasional friendly match. He also follows football and is a keen Manchester United fan.
Sylvia Davis - VAT Consultant
Sylvia joined Haines Watts in 2001 having previously worked for Ernst & Young and HM Revenue & Customs. Her experience includes working on the VAT affairs of blue-chip companies such as Racal and Macmillan Publishers.
Sylvia enjoys working with owner-managed businesses, corporates and other organisations, providing technical advice and practical guidance on a wide variety of VAT issues. Sylvia devises cost-effective strategies to minimise risk and maximise cashflow benefits. She has extensive experience of working on projects involving international as well as EC indirect tax and reporting requirements.
She is an experienced tennis player, and has recently taken up golf.
Charles Whelan - Corporate Finance Partner
Charles joined Haines Watts in 2004 as corporate finance partner, southern region, based in Reading and Southampton. He has 14 years experience in the corporate finance sector, having previously worked for Deloitte in Reading and Southampton, where he led a team of six on several high profile deals. Prior to that, he worked for KPMG and Smith & Williamson in London, and at Fanshawe Lofts in Southampton.
Charles and his team have ambitious plans to build Haines Watts' presence in the mid market corporate finance marketplace, providing both lead advisory and transactional services. They offer an independent, entrepreneurial approach with a fresh market perspective, combined with the flexible and personal service of a boutique.
Charles is married with three children, and his interests outside work include skiing and sailing, at which he has represented the UK in several World and European championships. He contributes to an SME think tank, The Genesis Initiative.
Jeff Gambold - VAT Consultant
Jeff joined Haines Watts in March 2005. Previously he spent over three years with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in Woking where he was a visiting officer. Subsequently he also spent time in HMRC busy written enquiries section, dealing with a wide range of businesses. In addition, Jeff has over five years private sector experience, notably at KPMG and Smith & Williamson. This experience includes giving advice on business sectors such as land and property, finance, and international trade.
Jeff comments on the wisdom of including a VAT review in the Haines Watts' audit process, as this is the first step in ensuring that businesses are compliant and in spotting opportunities for VAT savings.
Jeff's leisure interests include cinema, motoring and badminton and he is a relative expert in pub music quizzes!
Malcolm Robinson - Financial Services Consultant
Malcolm joined HW Financial Services Limited in 2004. He has worked in the financial services industry for over thirteen years and has experience in dealing with both private clients and SME businesses.
Malcolm holds both the Financial Planning Certificate and the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate and is an authorised specialist in Pension planning for both corporate entities and individuals. Malcolm also offers a much wider range of advice which covers the full spectrum of investment, protection and estate planning solutions.
Malcolm places emphasis on the importance of building long-term professional relationships with clients keeping them informed every step of the way.
Away from the office Malcolm is a keen Leeds United fan and plays five-a-side football to keep in trim.