The Team

Leeds born and educated, John joined Brown Butler in 1978 and was appointed a partner in 1987. Clients include limited companies, partnerships and sole traders. John also specialises in providing business, accountancy and taxation advice to the medical profession.

Formerly a London-based senior manager with an international practice, Denis provides audit, taxation and general commercial expertise to a broad client base. A partner since 1990, he specialises in Forensic Accounting and other accounting investigations.

Mark joined Brown Butler in 1985, having previously gained experience in both practice and commerce. A partner since 1992, his professional interests include taxation issues, business acquisitions and company reorganisations. Hisclients range from solicitors and charities to private limited companies.

Steve joined Brown Butler in 1996, qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2001 and was appointed a partner in 2006. While having a wide ranging client base, he specialises in the printing and construction industries.

Robert joined Brown Butler in 1980, qualified in 1984 and became a partner in 1987. He has an extensive client base of trading and investment companies. He also has a keen interest in all Corporate Finance activities.

Keith joined Brown Butler in 1975 and is one of the firm's senior audit managers. Working within Mark Dearnley's department he has responsibility for a broad based client portfolio ranging from sole proprietor run businesses to limited companies, friendly societies and property investment LLPs.

Since joining Brown Butler in 1980, Jeremy has gained a wealth of accounting experience including dealing with substantial commercial transactions over £10M. When not accounting he enjoys fishing, shooting and motor-bikes.

David joined Brown Butler to head up Brown Butler Corporate Finance in July 2001. He qualified as a chartered accountant with an international firm in 1988, subsequently specialising in corporate finance with stockbrokers, Henry Cooke, and later with the merchant banking group, Hambros. He has also worked at a senior level in industry.

David’s career provides a diverse background in corporate finance, spanning capital raising and mergers and acquisition work in respect of both public and privately owned companies. He also serves as a non-executive director of a number of public and private companies and is chairman of the White Rose Technology Seedcorn Fund, investing in spin-outs from the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York. David’s experience enables him to assist companies in a wide range of industries.

James joined Brown Butler in 2001 as part of the firm’s audit and accountancy team before joining David Hobdey to strengthen the corporate finance team in early 2004.

James has wide ranging experience of corporate finance transactions, both as lead advisor and through providing transaction support. He has a particular interest in management buy-outs and trade acquisitions, successfully completing a number of these transactions over the last 12 months. Furthermore, he is involved in assisting clients with business planning, financial projections and raising / restructuring finance.

James heads up Brown Butler’s Transaction Support Team, offering a highly bespoke range of services to both clients and the major corporate banks in the Yorkshire area. The team’s involvement in lead advisory work gives a unique understanding of the issues that often arise as part of the due diligence process.

In addition to transaction-based assignments, James has a number of clients for whom he provides financial mentoring and consultancy advice on an on-going basis. This service complements the existing financial team within a company, and is of particular help to clients looking to undertake transactions, or who have recently undergone a significant period of change. Many of our clients who have completed a transaction retain James as a consultant, to further strengthen their team moving forward.

Brian joined Brown Butler in June 1993. With prior experience in the electronics industry and latterly in audit and accountancy, Brian came to the firm with knowledge that blended the needs of the accountancy function with the possibilities raised by computerisation.

Brian's experience includes:

• A wide range of accountancy software solutions
• Software development
• Networking
• Corporate e-mail
• VoIP technology
• Database design and management
• Information security issues
• Technology training
• Project management

As well as managing the practice's I.T. developments, Brian is able offer his expertise and knowledge to help our clients to make the right choices regarding new IT systems as well as maximising the benefits from their existing ones.

Graeme joined Brown Butler in November 2000 as Director of Tax Investigation and Support Services.

Having joined the Inland Revenue in 1974, Graeme worked as an Inspector of Taxes from 1985. Graeme brings to Brown Butler his extensive Revenue investigations and compliance experience, which includes both technical and procedural knowledge to assist our clients.

Graeme is also in charge of personal and business tax compliance at Brown Butler, ensuring that rigorous quality controls are applied to the preparation and submission of all returns to the Revenue, thereby minimising the probability that clients’ affairswill be subject to either full or aspect enquiries.

Tony joined Brown Butler in September 1968, qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1974 and became a partner in November 1978, retiring in 1994 to concentrate on his VAT consultancy work within the practice.

Tony has specialised in VAT since its inception on 1 April 1973, providing advice and assistance to Brown Butler’s diverse range of clients on all aspects of VAT.

VAT is a tax which affects almost every business, yet it is often ignored when consideration is given to tax planning. Paradoxically, VAT planning is probably more important that any other form of tax planning. Whilst other forms of tax planning often result in the deferment of a liability, effective VAT planning can result in the removal of a VAT liability.

Tony liaises closely with the Tax Team at Brown Butler to ensure that all VAT aspects are considered, whether planning, compliance, or transactional.

Steve joined Brown Butler in November 1994.

He is fully trained in all aspects of PAYE & NIC legislation and before joining Brown Butler he was a Personnel & Payroll Manager for Vickers Plc.

Whether advising first time employers or assessing current payroll systems - there are many areas of PAYE & NIC legislation where Steve can be of assistance to clients and contacts.