UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets has hired an experienced VAT partner as business demand in its London office continues to grow.

The appointment of Signe Hibbert to the London Bridge office is part of the firm’s ongoing strategic expansion across the capital. Signe has more than 20 years’ experience in Indirect Tax, both in practice and industry. Having qualified with Arthur Andersen, she completed her first stint in industry in a general tax role at Toyota Financial Services.

This was followed by a return to practice at PwC before leading the Global VAT & GST Team at Electronic Arts for more than a decade, navigating both compliance and advisory matters for a rapidly changing technology business. Signe said:

“As a forward-thinking professional, I was thrilled to join an organisation such as Azets which aligns with my beliefs and hope that my unusual and valuable combination of technical expertise and 'people' skills will stand me in good stead."

“I have a wide range of interests which influence the way I do business, and I am known for my ability to listen, understand and position stakeholder priorities across business lines."

“I am passionate about development, in particular building teams and helping individuals achieve their potential. Seeing my team succeed makes me incredibly proud. I love having the opportunity to get involved in initiatives which foster a sense of belonging and purpose and allow me to connect with others.”

Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, is actively seeking continued growth of its London operations and the expansion of its offering to a wide range of potential clients across the city.

Ian Jefferson, London Regional Managing Partner at Azets, said: “Signe has hit the ground running and is already a valuable member of our growing team, bringing specialist expertise to the table."

“She has extensive knowledge in the Indirect Tax treatment of international supplies and was heavily involved in advising on the 2015 EU VAT rules changes through the Tax Executive Institute."

“She prides herself in being able to apply her technical skillset to everyday business scenarios to create value for her clients. She is an important asset to Azets and we have high hopes for her.”

In a second strategic move emphasising Azets’ continuing growth in London, all-rounder Josh Vincent has been promoted to Partner in the Accounting & Business Advisory Services team.

Josh, who joined Azets as a school leaver in 2009, has a strong general practitioner skillset, advising owner-managed and SME businesses across various sectors, including specialisms in property development, property investment, private equity and recruitment.

Ian added: “This is a well-deserved promotion. As a trusted advisor, Joshua works collaboratively with his clients to act as a sound board for strategic planning, including helping with business plans, forecasting, and promoting outsourced services which is an increasingly dynamic alternative to internal finance teams.”

Azets is an international advisory, outsourcing and compliance group, employing 8,200 people and supporting 100,000-plus clients through its network of 189 offices across Europe.

In the UK, Azets is a top ten accountancy and business advisory Group and employs 3,800 people, with more than 70 offices nationwide.