From left to right: Maddie Bushell, Hugo Meakin, John Cripps, Michael Gove, Felicity Buchan, Mark Cole, Matt Higgins, Stuart Graham, Joanna Paisley
Mark Cole, Senior Partner of Kensington and Chelsea’s largest firm of Chartered Accountants, Bright Grahame Murray (BGM), was delighted to welcome the Rt. Hon. Michael Gove – Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and MP for Surrey Heath on Thursday 15 August 2019, alongside Felicity Buchan – the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Kensington.
Both visitors enjoyed a tour of the firm’s offices which provided the opportunity for Mr Gove and Ms Buchan to meet our specialist teams and to see the comprehensive range of services that BGM offers including audit & assurance, accountancy, tax, corporate finance and business advisory, as well as a large private client department.
During the tour, Mr Gove and Ms Buchan spoke to BGM’s graduate trainees and discussed the benefits of working for BGM. The trainees highlighted they have the ability to work with a wide range of clients, have variety in their work and exposure to senior management which allows for continuous learning and an ability to accelerate their career progression.
Mr Gove and Ms Buchan also engaged in an in-depth discussion with BGM’s VAT Director, Gavin Barker. One particular point raised was that despite the promise at its inception in the UK that VAT would be a “simple tax”, this is not always the case. With ever-changing legislation and case-law, it can be a challenge to some businesses to ensure the correct application of VAT is used. Mr Gove reassured BGM that when we leave the EU we will have greater control in setting VAT rates.
Mr Gove concluded the visit by announcing to BGM staff that he is committed to deliver on Brexit with a deal. He said: “It was fantastic to meet the team at Bright Grahame Murray and discuss the great work they do” and highlighted how he was particularly impressed with our graduate intake.