VAT expert boosts Hammonds Tax team in Leeds

Hammonds has appointed John Fuszard as Head of VAT and Indirect Tax within the firm’s Corporate Strategy and Finance group.

Formerly a director at accountancy practice UHY Hacker Young, and previously a partner at Andersens, John has substantial experience of the VAT and indirect tax issues affecting both public and private companies. He has worked with businesses across a wide range of industries and markets, with specialist expertise advising on transactions and structures in the property, international trade and finance sectors.

John is a Chartered Tax Adviser and a member of the Institute of Indirect Taxation, and will be based in the firm’s Leeds office. He will be working with existing VAT specialist, Beverley Tanner, who is based in the Manchester office.

VAT, customs duty and other indirect taxes are an integral part of the firm’s broader tax practice, which boasts 12 partners and 24 assistants across the firm. The Leeds tax practice is ranked top in the region by 2007’s Legal 500, which describes it as ‘an acknowledged leader in the market’. Recent high profile work has included successfully appealing HMRC’s treatment of cereal bars, assisting a company facing a winding up petition for non-payment of VAT and advising on the VAT-efficient structuring of various property purchases.

Mark Simpson, Head of Tax in Leeds, said: “Indirect tax is facing a period of significant change and has become an increasingly important area for our clients. We are seeing significant growth in demand for advice in this complex area of tax and John’s appointment adds to our capability. His skills and experience will enable us to extend our practice in this area and develop the VAT and indirect tax advice and solutions we can offer to our clients.”

John Fuszard said: “Working in a law firm gives me the chance to be involved right at the centre of transactions advising clients on the indirect tax implications of their corporate strategies. I am delighted to be joining Hammonds, which has an excellent reputation in this field, and as Head of VAT and Indirect Tax, I look forward to developing the business considerably.”