Getting to Know… Kate Greenhough

Welcome, Kate! Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and what led you to join us?

I spent 12 years working for an accountancy firm in North London undertaking mixed tax work for a variety of clients. In 2015, I decided to specialise in R&D at a boutique firm in Suffolk where I helped clients ranging from small owner managed businesses to large, audited clients, achieve millions of pounds of tax relief. It was particularly enjoyable going to client’s premises and understanding first-hand, the different types of projects they had been undertaking.

In 2021, I decided to branch out into corporate tax and joined Gravita as the R&D and Corporate tax director. I especially enjoyed leading a team and overseeing the corporate tax function and was promoted to corporate tax partner, where I became the CT service line lead for the firm.

I was attracted to Simmons Gainsford (SG) because of its strong reputation for high quality, partner-led advice to SMEs and entrepreneurial businesses. The firm has a collaborative nature and an integrated approach across all service lines which is key to the delivery of high-quality service. SG’s focus on client relationships, together with the ability to work closely with like-minded partners on practical solutions, made SG an easy choice for me.

You’ve had a long and successful career within Tax. What are some key lessons you’ve learned along the way, and what advice would you give to younger professionals looking to build a strong career in audit?

Tax legislation can be incredibly complicated and difficult to interpret. The skill is trying to understand why a tax law exists, how HMRC are likely to view it and how that fits in with a clients circumstances.

I have always said there is no such thing as a stupid question, never be afraid to ask that question.

Being able to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients is key. Solutions can be technical and complicated, and it is important to be able to explain this in a way that others can understand.

Be patient in your career development, the more experience you have, the more you will develop the ability to give calm clear advice.

Take care of yourself and those around you. Don’t be afraid to say if you are struggling with anything and always ask for support from family, friends and colleagues.

What excites you most about this new role and working with the Corporate Tax Team?

I feel there are lots of opportunities to use my skill set and I am excited about leading and driving forward the corporate tax service line at SG. The team are a very welcoming and kind group of individuals. I feel that I am settling in well and I am very much looking forward to working with everyone in the wider firm. I am particularly excited about mentoring other members of the corporate tax team and helping to drive their careers forward such that they are achieving their own objectives and goals.

I am also looking forward to meeting and working with the wider members of the firm in other service lines and developing those relationships.

How do you see your experience benefiting the team, and what do you hope to bring to the firm?

I feel that my experience as a CT service line lead in a previous role will enable me to drive the growth of the corporate tax team forward and to continue to expand and develop the firms corporate tax offering. I have experience of dealing with and managing large groups and complex clients across a wide variety of industries, and I am comfortable providing clear, practical advice in technically challenging situations.

I am experienced in managing and leading teams supporting others in the development of both their technical ability and soft skills, and creating an environment where people feel confident to ask questions and develop. I hope to bring a collaborative and supportive approach to the team, alongside a strong focus on quality, consistency and client service, helping the firm continue to deliver high-quality, partner-led advice as the business grows.

Tell us something about yourself.

I am married to Karl. I have three “children”, twin boys who are 19 and a daughter who is 14. I enjoy attending group exercise classes which I try to attend on a regular basis, not just for exercise but to catch up with my friends! There are a variety of classes to keep me very busy including yoga, body pump, weights and barre.

In my younger years I was quite musical. I enjoyed playing the flute and I was a member of an orchestra. I have recently started to learn the piano and hope to be able to play this proficiently in the near future.

About Simmons Gainsford

First established in 1948, Simmons Gainsford is a multidisciplinary firm of chartered accountants and business advisers. Our main office is in Central London, with additional offices in Sussex and Gibraltar.

With the support of the Sumer Group, Simmons Gainsford embarked on an ambitious growth journey in 2023. This partnership empowers the firm to pursue strategic acquisitions, bringing in businesses that share its entrepreneurial mindset and vibrant culture.

About Sumer

Sumer is a Top 15, leading mid-market accountancy practice delivering professional support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It is the UK’s fastest growing accountancy firm on a mission to champion SME businesses and offer local delivery supported by national expertise.

Since its inception, Sumer has grown rapidly through acquisition. It now employs more than 2,200 champions, across 56 offices, and generates an annual turnover of over £200 million, emerging as a key accountancy player.

Sumer’s strategy revolves around acquiring only leading regional practices that share the same ethos, values and approach. This in turn, forms regional Hubs throughout the UK, focused on the SME market.

The Hubs announced so far include Carpenter Box, Cowgills, DPC Accountants, EQ Chartered Accountants, HW Fisher, Jerroms, Monahans, RMT Accountants, RT Marke & Co, Scrutton Bland, Simmons Gainsford, Sumer Northern Ireland, and Sumer Law.

Sumer provides Hubs with access to a broader range of services for clients, technology and compliance support, funding for further acquisitions, and opportunities for Hub colleagues.

To find out more about Sumer, visit our website: sumer.co.uk