02 Feb 2023
Meet the rural team: James England
Our rural team brings together experts from across the firm to ensure we are providing the best possible support and advice to clients. We sat down with James England, senior manager in our Taunton office to find out a bit more!
Since I was good and maths and art as a child, I debated between a career in accountancy or one in architecture. Choosing Business Studies, Maths and Accountancy as A-levels seemed like logical choices, with Physics thrown in for good measure.
My dad introduced me to his accountant and off the back of my AS results the previous year (in the top three at college, which made the decision easy), I joined the apprenticeship programme before I had even received my A-level results.
When and why did you join PKF Francis Clark?
Around four years ago, I came to a position in my career where I felt I had taken enough exams (A-levels, AAT, ACA, CTA) but wanted to continue developing and learning with interesting and forward-thinking clients. I was keen to build client relationships and have more engagement rather than just being an annual touch point.
A friend and former colleague mentioned the firm were looking for a manager to lead a new team. This was the Taunton Rural Team and was just the opportunity I had been looking for.
Where does your interest in the rural sector come from?
I am a self-confessed country boy, growing up in Somerset and surrounded by agriculture with cows, sheep and all manner of crops being grown in the neighbouring fields.
But that was where the interest started. Seeing the enthusiasm and commitment of our farming clients has only fuelled my enthusiasm. It is so apparent farming is not just a job to them but a way of life – people who just see it as a job would not survive in the industry and I have the utmost respect for our clients.
Tell us a bit about your role at PKF Francis Clark.
I am a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor, specialising in the agricultural sector. A particular interest of mine is in capital taxes and advising clients on the tax aspects of the capital transactions they are looking to enter into. Furthermore, I am interested in Inheritance tax implications and planning opportunities as well as the ways inheritance tax can be mitigated.
My background knowledge of other taxes including VAT and Stamp Duty Land Tax enable me to keep abreast of the wider tax implications clients should be aware of.
I get a genuine kick out of saving clients tax in whatever form and the support I get here from so many knowledgeable colleagues really does make that easier.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love the outdoors and being in the countryside whilst spending time with my wife, two daughters and two dogs. I particularly enjoy our outdoor space at home – our garden is still in progress, but it was one of the biggest draws.
I also enjoy walking and mountain biking and have completed a couple of 60+ mile walks for charity. Mountain biking is my real passion outside work, but I don’t bounce as easily these days!
In short, I will take any excuse to be outside.
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