Gemma joins the board at Hampshire accountancy firm

Associate Director Gemma Hedges has been promoted to Director at Hampshire-based HWB Chartered Accountants.

She joins the board to strengthen the tax advisory services offered in line with the firms strategic plans.

Gemma, who joined HWB Chartered Accountants as a Senior Tax Manager in January 2020 from Top Four Accountancy firm PwC after 10 years at BDO, was promoted to Associate Director in July 2021.

She is a private client tax advisory specialist working with individuals and owner-managed businesses, covering a broad range of areas from company incorporations and sales to personal tax planning.

With nearly two decades’ experience, she advises across a range of sectors, particularly focusing on the tax implications of a variety of situations individuals may find themselves in, including property advice (CGT reporting and incorporation of property portfolios), marriage and divorce, succession planning and providing for children/grandchildren, trusts and death.

Her responsibilities also include more business focussed aspects such as company sales and purchases, restructuring and demergers, plus remuneration planning and tax efficient profit extraction.

She says: “Tax rules are so complex now that it is easy to get confused and inadvertently pay more tax than you need to. I enjoy helping clients understand the rules so that they can make properly informed choices. My work is incredibly varied and rewarding as no two cases are the same.”

CTA qualified, a member of STEP (Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners)

She said: “I was humbled to have been made a Director.”

“Stepping up from Associate Director means I am able to play a greater role in the day-to-day running of the business, helping to shape the huge opportunity that exists to drive the firm forwards.”

“There is very much an air of optimism and invigoration around HWB at present with the whole team striving to grow the business and seek new clients across all sectors.”

Gemma works as part of a fast-expanding tax advisory team with corporate specialist Alan Rolfe, supported by manager Joe Wilson and trainee Will Kent-Jones.

Tracy Jenkins, HWB Chartered Accountants Managing Director, said: “It is always good to see people progress and this promotion is well justified. It is also a demonstration that at HWB we promote when someone deserves it, regardless of length of service. It’s all about the quality of the person and the needs of our client base.”

“This is a great opportunity to continue to grow our offering to a variety of clients.”