News
Lifecycle member spotlight: an interview with Matt Hodgson
Im a Chartered Tax Adviser with over 21 years experience in senior management positions in Big Four and Mid-Tier firms. I established Claritas Manchester office in May 2019.
Whates the first thing you do at the start of your working day?
Check whates in front of me that day and try to deal with the things I keep putting off!
How do you plan out your day? A good old fashioned to-do list, or more go with the flow?
I live by Outlook but as my wife will testify to, I do love a list.
Whates your desk and workspace like?
I hate clutter and Ive always been a fan of a clear desk policy. Even though I split my time between home and office, both desks are identically organised. Just writing this makes me realise there might be a touch of OCD going on, but surely thates not a bad thing if I utilise the same skills in my client work?
What is the big issue affecting your sector at the moment?
Our tax system is just not fit for purpose and needs to evolve quickly to reflect the changing industrial landscape, how people work and buy goods. Tax reliefs need to be better targeted at increasing productivity and hence the UKes GDP.
Do you have a business niche?
Im predominantly an M&A tax specialist and I like nothing better than helping a shareholder through a transaction. That said, Im possibly a dying breed of tax adviser with a broad interest and knowledge covering most taxes. The beauty of our business though is that Im never far away from someone whoes a deep specialist in one area of tax.
What do you do to escape the world of tax and accounts?
I recently read on LinkedIn that we all need a hird place i.e. the one after work and family and that for most people, COVID and lockdown has stopped us getting to that third place. My third place covers a few things, but mainly golf, cycling and tennis.
Have you always been interested in numbers and can you remember your first calculator?
Numbers are a surprisingly small part of a tax adviseres job tax is rules based, so I spend most of my time interpreting these rules to ensure our clients pay the right amount of tax (and no more!).
Tell us something that not many people know about you?
I ran a student night in Leeds whilst at University in the late 90es called Colombia. Ive always loved dance music so I thought Id try and make some money out of it to fund my way through University, which worked as I managed to leave University debt-free.
How has your practice benefited from being part of the Lifecycle accountancy network?
Lifecycle is a fantastic network of high-quality accountants and gives us access to a much greater network of qualified professionals across the UK than wed otherwise have.
Find out more about the Lifecycle network at www.lclifecycle.co.uk or get in touch on 03300 242 333.
Feedback Form
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Donec ultricies consequat.
News and insights
Get in touch
with Leonard Curtis
Forward
with purpose
Reach Commercial Finance Limited. Registered in England no 09056450. Leonard Curtis is a trading style of Reach Commercial Finance Limited. Leonard Curtis is a broker not a lender and is independent with access to the whole of market. We may receive commissions that will vary depending on the lender, product or other permissible factors. The nature of any commission model will be confirmed to you before you proceed. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA no. 753686. Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office reference ZA069234
Leonard Curtis Legal Limited is a limited company, registered in England and Wales with registered number 09820186. Registered office: Riverside House, Irwell Street, Manchester M3 5EN. Leonard Curtis Legal Limited is registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority with number 626004.