An Interview with Ben Gill

Ben joined Lancaster Knox in September 2020 to help to grow the firm's North West presence and meet increasing demand. Providing tax services to HNW and UNHW clients and their families, Ben is based in Manchester, but works with clients and their advisors across the UK and abroad.

Why do you work in tax?

I always wanted to follow the accountancy route. I studied for the Association of Taxation Technician exams while working in industry before completing my accountancy degree at University. I am now approaching my final exams to become a Chartered Tax Advisor, and have always found personal tax to be the most enjoyable subject, as it is ever changing. We are often given very privileged access to individuals' lives, which I find really fulfilling alongside providing technical advice.

Why did you join Lancaster Knox?

My decision to join Lancaster Knox from my previous Big Four firm was primarily down to the specific focus on working with HNW and UHNW individuals and families. I was also excited by having unprecedented access to wider parts of the Knox group of companies, giving us more options to help private clients in a genuinely holistic way. It just feels like the perfect fit for me at this stage of my career, as it is rare to have access to such a broad range of clients, services, and other expert team members.

What features highly on private clients' agenda?

The global pandemic has clearly been on everyone's minds for much of 2020. However, most of our clients are now turning their attention to the upcoming UK Budget and widely-anticipated tax changes, particularly around capital gains tax rates. As a result, some key themes feature prominently in our discussions with clients, including restructuring businesses, crystallising gains, or even leaving the UK.

We are also continuing to have extensive discussions around long-term succession planning and asset preservation. Clients realise that the world will not stop turning, and thinking about their affairs in the widest possible way continues to deliver real value.

Where will fellow PCD members spot you?

I look forward to joining many of the online PCD events over the coming months, and in-person events when safe to resume. PCD members can also find me on LinkedIn. It would be great to get acquainted over a (virtual or in person) coffee.

When you've switched off your computer for the day, where are you most likely to be found?

Most of my spare time is spent socialising with friends (in a suitably Covid-secure way!), or walking with my wife and my dog. I (very!) occasionally run, and am hoping to pick this up more in the coming months.