James Colclough

Hello, I’m James. I am old enough to remember life before self assessment and young enough to remember the dawn of BEPS. I have previously held Tax Partner roles covering OMB and SME’s intertwined with Private Client. In recent years, I have been involved more in a client-facing corporate roles. These involved due diligence and voluntary disclosures, settling tax schemes and dealing with back duty claims and instances of non-compliance.

I have an interest in international tax matters having previously advised on cross-border issues pre- and post-Brexit. In my role, I particularly enjoy the variety of work and that no day is the same. I like to to be my clients’ first and last port of call. I like to think they will make warm calls as opposed to only calling in moments of pain.

I still believe…

” Every man is entitled if he can to order his affairs so that the tax attaching under the appropriate Acts is less than it otherwise would be”

Duke of Westminster [1936] 19 TL 496

• What are your favourite hobbies?

I enjoy UFC, rugby and foreign travel.

• What are your favourite films?

Life is Beautiful and the Prodigal Son.

• What luxury item would you take on a desert island?

A solar-powered Nutri Bullet.

• What is your favourite music?

That’s a tough one, how many am I allowed? Cocteau Twins, Joy Division, This Mortal Coil, The Cranberries…

• If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

The power of infinite patience.

• What inspires you?

The hope and belief that we all really want to get along, somehow.

• What one piece of advice would you give your 10-year-old self?

When faced with an easy path or difficult path, be brave and pick difficult. (That and don’t mix scrumpy and southern comfort when you are 19!)

• What languages do you know how to speak?

Italian and Spanish.