For our latest Meet the Team interview, we sat down with Luke Brown, Semi-Senior Indirect Tax Adviser in our Sheffield team. Luke shared his main work highlights since joining BHP three years ago and talked about his love of food and football.
When did you join BHP?
I joined the firm in September 2019.
What attracted to you to work for the firm?
I was attracted to BHP because of the firm’s excellent reputation across Sheffield and Yorkshire. I was also motivated by the fact that BHP offers real scope for progression and the opportunity to enjoy a good work life balance.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
I typically work on a mix of VAT compliance and advisory jobs, and I particularly enjoy working on internal projects to help improve the firm’s VAT processes. I also keep on top of any VAT updates from HMRC and draft e-shots and blogs to be shared on the BHP website.
How has BHP helped you in your career so far?
BHP has helped me by funding my ATT/CTA training and giving me appropriate time and support to study. They have also provided me with invaluable client interaction on large VAT projects and allowed me to work on a variety of compliance and advisory projects with clients across several different sectors.
What are your highlights and key achievements?
My main highlight since joining BHP is becoming ATT qualified. My key achievements include getting HMRC approval of some of the large VAT claims (over £100k) that I’ve worked on. On a more personal level, I was proud to be part of BHP’s 5aside football team which won the Sheffield business fives tournament.
What or who inspires you at work?
I’m inspired by ‘VAT king’ Simon Buchan and by Tax Partner Rachelle Rowbottom, who is proof of the scope for progression at BHP.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for a role at BHP?
Be yourself in interviews and be sure to show off your personality.
What do you enjoy doing outside of working?
I’m a big football fan and a keen supporter of Leicester City (unfortunately)! I also enjoy playing sports, including football, golf and squash. I love eating out and trying different cuisines, and my other favourite pastime is walking my two sausage dogs!
What do you prefer? A TV series or a film? And which genre do you prefer?
I prefer a TV series, preferably crime dramas and sports documentaries.
If you could host a celebrity dinner, who would you invite?
I’d have to say Ricky Gervais, Peter Crouch, Gordan Ramsay and Shane Warne (RIP).
What is your favourite type of cuisine and why?
I’m a bit of a foodie, so I can’t pick one! But my top three would be
- Thai – Guaranteed taste sensation
- Mexican – Everything covered in guacamole
- Indian – I love a spicy curry that blows my head off
What type of holiday do you prefer? Beach, active or city break?
I love a city break – visiting different cities and eating/drinking out. I also try to see the local football team play if I can.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would be your dream job?
My dream job would be a football podcaster or food blogger (or both).
