Get to know our Managing Director Mark, who has been working in our York office for almost 36 years. Read below to find out about how he started his career at HGH and what he thinks of the firm’s progress.
What does your day-to-day role include?
My day-to-day role includes lots of meetings. I particularly like the client meetings where we sit down and plan for their future, not only for their business, but also for their personal tax affairs as well. It’s a great opportunity to help them save money and help them grow their business.
I also get involved in lots of internal meetings with our team- to work on our own business and plan for our growth.
How did you start your career?
I started my career in 1988 when I left school straight away and got a job at HGH. I only had one interview and was employed as a junior accounts clerk.
What do you enjoy doing when not in work?
When I’m not in work I enjoy keeping fit. I’ve spent many years doing various sports including, football, cricket, squash, and triathlons. However, nowadays I’m more limited to just golf and cycling.
I also like travelling with my wife to various places all over the world.
What is it like to work for HGH?
It is highly enjoyable working for HGH. Every day is different. The people and our clients are fantastic and a joy to work with.
Where is the best place you have ever visited & why?
Thailand because it’s such a beautiful country with amazing people.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Helping clients to achieve their goals.
What’s something you find challenging about your work?
The most challenging thing is when I get really involved in a business disposal because it is very time consuming and quite pressured to meet deadlines.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start their career in accountancy?
I would advise anyone starting in accountancy to do as Stephen Covey said, “begin with the end in mind”.
So, if they have a goal at the start of what they want to achieve, whether that’s to be a director in a firm or to become qualified- always keep working towards achieving that goal.
What is your proudest moment in your career so far?
When HGH won the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards, Independent Firm of the Year Award. It was such a rewarding moment for all the hard work that everybody has put in over many years, pushing this business forward.
What’s your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is my daughter. My second biggest fear is failure.
How has the firm changed over the years?
The firm has changed dramatically since I joined in 1988, having become a partner in 1999, we were very much a compliance-based business, offering limited services. Overtime we have then grown and added our Wealth Management and Corporate Finance services. And we now run HGH as a business, like we advise our clients to do.
How would you sum up HGH in three words?
Trustworthy, caring, and passionate.
An interesting fact about yourself?
Not many people know I have webbed feet.
What’s on your bucket list?
I would love to travel more, specifically to New Zealand and South America, to places like Brazil and Peru to see Machu Picchu.
Are you a sports fan?
Yes, I love most sports. However, I have a real passion for football and in particular the best football team – Liverpool.
What was your first job?
Working on York market selling fruit and veg. ‘Come and get your bananas!’
Watch the video interview here: https://fb.watch/t_Lr0hnHxQ/
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If you are interested in some of our roles at HGH and looking to take your career to the next level, explore our current opportunities here.
