The Team

John Brear - Partner

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.

Denis Cross - Partner

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 Dearnley - Partner

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. His clients range from solicitors and charities to private limited companies.

Steve Hornshaw - Partner

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 Solyom - Partner

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 Lee - Senior Audit Manager

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.

Jeremy Sampson

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.

Corporate Finance

James White - Partner

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.

Information Technology

Brian Canner - IT Director

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 IT 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.

Matthew Jaques – Tax Director

Matthew joined Brown Butler in 2010 to lead the firm's tax advisory service.

Both a qualified Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, Matthew has experience in advising all sizes of business, from large international concerns to local owner managed companies and their shareholders.

Matthew works across all sectors, with particular expertise in property taxation, including capital allowances and stamp duty land tax. He also has significant experience in international matters, for both businesses and individuals. He provides specialist assistance in these areas not only to clients but to other legal and accountancy firms.

Graeme Patrick - Director of Tax Investigation & Support Services

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’ affairs will be subject to either full or aspect enquiries.

Steve Mannion - Payroll and Employee Taxes Manager

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.