The Worshipful Company of Tax Advisers

On Thursday, 8^th May, many members gathered to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Company – on the 24^th floor of the Shard, on a glorious evening with panoramic views overlooking the City and beyond. This location was all thanks to the hospitality of QX Accounting Services, and to Craig Chatwin and Pramith Naidu in particular.

The Master, Richard Geldard, summarised the proceedings, under the headings of ‘Past, Present and Future’, before introducing the three speakers.

Past Master Michael Squires spoke of the origins of the Company, focusing on the combination of a desire to establish a Livery Company against the backdrop of a perceived temporary lack of regard for the tax profession in other quarters, together with difficulties elsewhere in establishing a Benefit Fund for those involved in tax.

Craig Chatwin spoke of the new relationship between QX Accounting Services and our Company, and making welcome mention of contributions to our charitable activities.

Upper Warden Matthew Peppitt outlined his plans for the Company’s year 2025/6, subject to his election at the June Court meeting. He envisaged that we would be dining at Halls we had not visited in the recent past, or perhaps never at all; that we might be viewing a vineyard in the countryside and perhaps savouring some of its products; and many other delights.

This was all against the backdrop of a Photo Montage of photos from the recent past, selected not only from the collections of official photographers, but also glimpses of bygone Lord Mayor’s Shows, History of Tax lectures, in-flight refuellings, and walks around the City.