New director strengthens PKF Francis Clark’s VAT and customs team

PKF Francis Clark has strengthened its VAT and customs team with the appointment of director Joe Francis.

Based at the firm’s offices in Southampton and Poole, Joe brings 20 years’ experience in taxation and has specialised in indirect taxes for the past 17 years. He joins from Grant Thornton and has spent most of his career with accountancy firms in the Southampton area.

PKF Francis Clark has one of the largest and most experienced VAT, customs and indirect tax advisory teams in the country. Its marine specialists provide business support to British Marine, the membership organisation for the leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry.

Simon Anslow, partner and head of VAT, said: “We’re delighted that Joe has joined our team. His specialist knowledge will be a great asset to the firm and our clients across a wide range of sectors. This is also a key appointment as we continue to grow the team at our new Southampton office.”

Joe said: “Since joining I’ve been really impressed with how tight-knit, friendly and knowledgeable the team is. Simon and I have collaborated on technical tax issues in the past and always got on really well, so I’m looking forward to working together to support clients with a variety of indirect tax matters, including the VAT implications of mergers, acquisitions and other transactions.

“I have a particular interest in the marine sector, where PKF Francis Clark is known for its expertise and has many clients, so the opportunity to do more specialist work in this area was another massive part of the firm’s appeal for me.”