Backing the businesses
that power our communities

Gareth spent the first 10 years of his working life as British Army Officer before joining one of the Big 4 professional services firm. He is most at home in the centre of organisations driving the agenda on multiple fronts.

As COO of Sumer, his focus is to create an environment where people can thrive, feel empowered and deliver success for our clients. In his own time, he balances precious time with his young family, trying to keep fit and slowly coming to terms with having to be more of an ‘armchair’ sports fan.

Gareth spent the first 10 years of his working life as British Army Officer before joining one of the Big 4 professional services firm. He is most at home in the centre of organisations driving the agenda on multiple fronts.

As COO of Sumer, his focus is to create an environment where people can thrive, feel empowered and deliver success for our clients. In his own time, he balances precious time with his young family, trying to keep fit and slowly coming to terms with having to be more of an ‘armchair’ sports fan.

Appointed in May 2025 as Group Head of Audit, Lindsey’s leadership is defined by her investment in people and her commitment to advancing audit technologies. She is passionate in fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and excellence—ensuring clients benefit from rigorous compliance standards and future-ready audit solutions.

Lindsey brings her transformative leadership across the audit practice in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Drawing on more than 20 years of expertise working with privately owned, family owned, and private equity backed businesses across property, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and distribution sectors.

Lindsey leads over 600 auditors across 50+ offices, cultivating an environment where talent is nurtured and new technologies are embraced to ensure exceptional audit quality. A graduate of the University of Reading, she has progressed through senior roles in national audit firms, equipping her with the strategic vision needed to empower teams and drive continual improvement.

Alan Edwards is the Managing Partner of Carpenter Box, after training and qualifying with the firm. As the firm’s business leader, Alan works closely with the Board and staff, supporting their delivery of services to meet clients’ needs and implementing the firm’s strategic objectives.

As a Partner in the Business Services Group, Alan specialises in owner-managed businesses, providing strategic business support and the full range of accountancy, tax, and management services. He is passionate about delivering a high-quality, tailored service to his clients and developing long-term business relationships.

Alan enjoys most sports. From an early age, cycling was his passion, and he was Sussex Schoolboy Champion in 1991. He hung up his pedals to concentrate on his studies but is now a keen and competitive golfer. He also enjoys relaxing with his wife and young family.

I am the firm’s Managing Partner, working with the Leadership Team and Partners to help provide clients with the expert, personable advice that HW Fisher is known for. I am ultimately responsible for the leadership, operations and strategic direction of the firm. A key part of my role includes shaping the culture of the firm, a responsibility I take very seriously – I strive to create a workplace where all employees, whatever level they may be at, have a voice that is listened to.

I have over 34 years’ experience in accounting, auditing and due diligence for commercial clients. Throughout my career I have worked with a range of corporate clients and not for profit organisations, building up a comprehensive understanding of the wide range of accounting, taxation and governance issues in the private and public sectors. I have always been sector agnostic and have had clients in property, software, retail and media which has given me a wide variety of experience. I led the firm’s not-for-profit group for more than a decade and hold the ICAEW Diploma in Charity Accounting.

Along with my management team, I have a clear vision for the future and an ambitious growth plan, centred upon the strong heritage and core values of delivering a high degree of expertise and a personalised, partner-led service to all clients.

Brian graduated from The Queen’s University of Belfast in 1997 with an Honours Degree in Finance. Brian joined Sumer NI (formerly ASM Belfast) in July 1997 and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2001, having been placed in the top ten in Ireland in each of his professional examinations. Brian is also a qualified Internal Auditor (MIIA) and IT Auditor (CISA). Brian is the firm’s Managing Partner, leading a team of over 100 professionals, and oversees the delivery of the firm’s services to a number of our largest Corporate, Not-for-profit and Public Sector clients.

Email: brian.clerkin@sumerni.co.uk

Following a year of serving as a non-executive advisor on our Board, Craig was appointed our Chief Executive Officer in November 2023.

He was previously Managing Partner for 10 years at one of Scotland’s leading law firms and a Commercial Lawyer for over 20 years.

Craig leads the firm on all aspects of our strategic growth, spearheading our ambitions to be the leading SME Business Champion in Scotland. He also holds several non-executive positions advising several growing, ambitious businesses.

Outwith EQ, Craig’s interests involve music, including playing piano, guitar, hot Yoga with his pals on a Sunday morning, and his dog Bonnie.

He lives in St Andrews with his wife, Vivien. His two grown up children, Alistair, and Emma, live in Edinburgh.

Darren Hersey is the Senior Partner at Simmons Gainsford, a role that reflects over three decades of dedicated service and leadership since he joined the firm in 1992. With a wealth of experience in UK and international tax matters, Darren provides strategic advice across the full spectrum of tax issues affecting both individuals and privately-owned businesses.

Renowned for his technical insight and practical approach, Darren regularly advises clients on high-value transactions, complex structuring, and tax-efficient planning, ensuring compliance while optimising outcomes.

Darren also leads the firm’s Private Client Team, which serves a distinguished portfolio of high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, families, and trusts. Under his guidance, the team offers tailored solutions in estate planning, wealth preservation, and cross-border tax matters, often acting for multiple generations of clients.

Email: hmorrison@translinkcf.uk.com

Email: lisa.leighton@bhp.co.uk

Mark Hildred joined Moore Thompson in 1989, became a Partner in 1993, and has led the firm as Managing Partner since 2004.

After completing a BA in Industrial Economics at the University of Nottingham, Mark trained with KPMG and has built deep experience advising ambitious businesses across the region. He has worked closely with many of Moore Thompson’s larger clients, supporting them through complex and high-impact moments including litigation support, business valuations, acquisitions and disposals, due diligence and company restructuring. He also supports clients with business planning, raising finance, budgeting, strategic planning, and tax.

Mark is a regular attendee at client board meetings and is known for his practical, commercially grounded approach. He focuses on clear decision-making and long-term value creation, helping businesses grow with confidence while staying true to their ambitions.

Email: mark@mooret.co.uk

Michelle qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2003 via a graduate training scheme.  She joined DPC in October 2004 and became an Associate Director in January 2017.

Michelle’s experiences have given her the skills and expertise to advise large multinational companies in audit, corporate tax and compliance. Working with owner-managed businesses from incorporation through to helping them achieve their financial goals, Michelle is very proactive and takes a hands-on approach with clients.

Paul worked for PwC before joining Cowgills in 2000. In 2005 he became a partner within the corporate finance team. Paul has extensive experience in growth strategies, funding/private equity investment, acquisitions, MBO's and selling businesses. Paul acts as the relationship partner for a large number of Growth and Entrepreneurial clients, overseeing strategic support to both shareholders and directors.

As Managing Partner I head up the Monahans business.

I head our Professional Practices team and advise Solicitors and a range of owner-managed companies on all aspects of their businesses and practices.

I love to enable my clients to reduce costs, minimise the administration they undertake and allow them to have up to date information on their businesses, by providing our Monahans cloud accounting service. Depending on their needs, we will use the most appropriate packages, including FreeAgent and Xero as a part of our Business Bureau offering.

My background

I have worked for a number of professional firms ranging from large internationals to small local organisations and I also had a spell away from the accountancy profession in industry, which puts me in a great position to understand what our clients are looking for from their accountant.

Outside of work, my two teenage daughters keep me very busy. I also have a keen interest in property renovation and DIY in addition to car restoration. I like to get my hands dirty and do something slightly different than my day job.

• Professional practices and small business
• Advising solicitors and their practices
• Owner managed businesses of all sizes
• Cloud accounting
• Payroll services
• General accountancy services

Email: simon.tombs@monahans.co.uk

Stephen joined RMT in 1993 shortly after qualifying, has been a partner since 2002 and as of 2025 is the Managing Director.  He is responsible for the development of RMT’s outsourced services, particularly the introduction of VAO, and was instrumental in the creation of RMT’s sister company; RMT Technology.

Stephen is currently President of the International Association of Accounting Innovation and Technology Consultants (IAAITC), who work with BERR and ENISA and is part of the ENISA European Working Party for IT Risk Management Security. In addition, Stephen is a Governor of Thomas Bewick School which specialises in educating children with Autism.

Email: stephen.slater@r-m-t.co.uk