Lee Watson
Partner
Tax Partner
As one of the firm’s partners, I act as both a strategic and tax adviser, working closely with clients to support informed decision-making. Clients value my expertise and practical approach to a wide range of business and tax matters, supporting their commercial and personal financial decisions at every stage of their journey.
As a Tax Partner, I advise businesses, entrepreneurs and private individuals on a broad range of tax matters, helping them navigate complex legislation while identifying opportunities to manage their tax affairs efficiently. Tax is often one of the largest costs faced by businesses and individuals, which is why I strongly believe that tax should be considered as part of the wider commercial picture. I work closely with clients to deliver practical, forward-looking advice that supports their long-term objectives.
I advise businesses on tax-efficient employee incentive and reward strategies, including the design and implementation of share schemes that help attract, retain and motivate key people. I also support clients in maximising available R&D tax reliefs and provide strategic advice on the ownership and restructuring of businesses, particularly owner-managed and family businesses, where succession and long-term planning are key considerations.
I have significant experience representing clients in their dealings with HMRC, from managing complex enquiries and investigations to advising on voluntary disclosures. My focus is on providing clear, pragmatic guidance, resolving issues efficiently and achieving the best possible outcomes for clients.
A particular area of expertise is capital taxes, including capital gains tax and inheritance tax planning. I advise business owners and private clients on preserving wealth, planning for succession and structuring transactions in a tax-efficient manner, ensuring their affairs are aligned with both their personal ambitions and commercial goals.
I advise clients across a broad range of sectors, with expertise in manufacturing, professional services, retail and construction.
In addition, I am a regular speaker on a wide range of property tax matters, delivering seminars and webinars for clients and professional advisers. As a property investor myself, I combine technical expertise with first-hand commercial experience, giving me a practical understanding of the opportunities and challenges faced by property owners, developers and investors.
I also maintain a strong professional network, enabling me to connect clients with trusted advisers in areas such as legal and banking when additional support is needed.
As I approach my 25th year as a tax adviser, I am most proud of the difference I have been able to make for clients and the relationships I have built throughout my career. Some of the highlights include:
- Successfully challenging HMRC to overturn a client's bankruptcy order after identifying significant errors in tax returns prepared by their previous adviser, ultimately restoring their financial position and confidence.
- Advising the shareholders of an FMCG business through a successful exit, simplifying a complex group structure and delivering a tax-efficient solution that enabled the transaction to proceed smoothly.
- Resolving long-standing disputes with HMRC on behalf of a private client by successfully applying the Extra Statutory Concession A19 provisions, eliminating historic tax liabilities that had arisen through HMRC's own administrative errors.
First class Mathematics graduate with professional qualifications from the Association of Taxation Technicians and the Chartered Institute of Tax.
