What’s your Menzies story?

I joined Menzies Leatherhead 4 years ago motivated to work for a local Firm which would allow an appropriate work life balance given my significant Charity Trustee role for James’ Jar of Gifts (JJOG).

Working with tax clients is a busy job with often conflicting priorities and the organisational, strategic management and people skills I have developed in my charity work translate into the workplace and have enhanced my ability to be a trusted tax adviser. I love sharing stories and am motivated to inspire others by sharing the stories and achievements of the youngsters that JJOG helps. My passion for working with charities and the community is also supported at Menzies by activities such as Make a Difference volunteering week, supporting our local Wildlife Aid Foundation with activities throughout the year and the additional holiday days that are given to match a holiday day used for volunteering.

James’ Jar of Gifts

My charity was established to create a legacy for my son James who tragically died aged 7 after a gruelling battle with a rare immune disorder. JJOG’s vision is that no child should ever get left behind whatever their gender, skin colour, nationality, socio-economic background, or level of ability/disability. It is a small charity with enormous impact and my Menzies colleagues generously support the charity and make a difference to so many young lives as a result. Our charity projects have included activities and gifts for Ukrainian refugee children; university scholarships for Kenyan orphans; a programme to support teenage girls to remain in education and learn life skills in Uganda; and life changing equipment for disabled youngsters in the UK.

What do you love about working at Menzies?

Menzies supports me in both my day job and my activities beyond this. It is a firm with a strong social conscience and a progressive ESG strategy. At all levels employees are encouraged to focus on work life balance. The Firm actively supports employees in charitable activities including fund raising events, through the annual Make a Difference week and matching holiday days when used for volunteering or charitable work.