Date posted: 16th Feb 2026
We are delighted to announce the continued expansion of our service lines with the strategic appointment of Hydeam Sulton as VAT Partner.
Hydeam, who will lead Clive Owen LLP’s VAT and indirect tax offering, brings a wealth of experience to the firm, gained over several years at HMRC, where he was latterly Head of Tax Professionalism, as well as in practice at large independent firms and the Big Four, and in industry leading VAT across the EU for a FTSE 100 company.
He joins Clive Owen LLP from a national independent firm, where he was a Tax Partner and Head of VAT & Indirect Tax, as well as its Lead Office Partner in Newcastle.
Over the course of his career, he has helped clients navigate the complexities of VAT and helped them save/recover millions of pounds in VAT, deal with HMRC checks and investigation and manage VAT risks.
Specialising in VAT and indirect tax, Hydeam will support clients with successfully managing and optimising their VAT position. Now in post at Clive Owen LLP, he also plans to grow the VAT and indirect tax provision at the firm, creating further job opportunities in the future.
Commenting on his appointment, Hydeam Sulton, VAT Partner at Clive Owen LLP, said: “I am delighted to join Clive Owen LLP at such an exciting time of sustained, organic growth.
“The firm’s values really resonate with my own experience and approach to client service, particularly its focus on people. It has a strong emphasis on delivering a personal, client-focused service that you don’t always see in larger practices, while also offering a depth and quality that not all independent firms can match.
“Clive Owen LLP’s commitment to its people at all levels was also a key factor for me, demonstrated through its recognition as a Great Place To Work certified organisation, highlighting its dedication to fostering an outstanding experience and inclusive culture for colleagues.
Hydeam added: “VAT is a notoriously complex area of tax, and I believe there is significant value I can bring to new and existing clients across a range of sectors. My aim is to build a strong, specialist team around me over time to support this growth.”
Simon Hook, Joint Managing Partner at Clive Owen LLP, said: “We are delighted to welcome Hydeam to the firm, whose impressive experience and expertise will build on our existing range of services and provide clients with an additional, niche offering.
“Hydeam’s appointment is a significant addition to the partnership and further strengthens our position as one of the North’s leading independent accountancy practices.”
Established in 1983, Clive Owen LLP has grown from a small sole trader operation into a dynamic firm with five offices and a workforce in the region of 150 colleagues. The practice prides itself on delivering multi-disciplinary expertise while maintaining a reputation for a personal, client-focused service.
