About Us

Rob Burton Director

An indirect tax professional with over 40 years of experience. Rob began his indirect tax career with HMRC providing VAT assurance on regional and multinational businesses. He concluded it with the HMRC Internal Audit Division reporting directly to the Commissioners of HMRC.

He joined Arthur Andersen in 1998, specialising in providing VAT advice to an extensive portfolio of clients ranging from small to medium sized businesses through to large multinational FTSE 100 and Global 500 clients.  He subsequently worked for 3 of the top 4 global professional services firms, including Deloitte and now has over 20 years of experience in the private sector. For 10 years, Rob has specialised in providing indirect tax advice almost exclusively to a range of Health sector clients and, as a result, has a deep understanding of the care industry and holds strong relationships with local authority finance teams, CCGs and key relationships with other professionals associated with CQC and RQIA in Northern Ireland.

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Rachael Kay Executive PA

An administrative professional with almost 15 years’ experience, Rachael joined Vat Solutions in August 2022 from a global law firm having worked in a variety of business support roles during her time there.  Rachael’s role as Executive PA mainly involves providing dedicated support to Rob and the senior management team.

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Maxine Havenhand Finance Manager

After starting her career working at HM Customs & Excise, Maxine moved into the private sector in 2005.

Maxine is a qualified bookkeeper with over 15 years of bookkeeping and accounts experience. Before joining VAT Solutions, she worked for several different employers, ranging from sole traders to a national company with multiple sites.

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Heidi Wragg Business Development Manager

Heidi has been part of the VAT Solutions team for a number of years and specialises in business development, managing a portfolio of clients across the Healthcare sector in the UK. Heidi and her team are dedicated to helping businesses succeed and committed to delivering services that meet each client’s needs, promoting and encouraging a wider understanding of the importance of VAT as a commercial planning strategy. She has built strong working relationships with all major key stakeholders in the sector including LAs, NHS Trusts, CCGs, University Health Boards commissioners, regulated bodies: CQC, RQIA & CIW and HMRC.

With over 30 years’ experience in industry, having owned and operated two manufacturing firms within that time, Heidi is aware of the challenges and constraints affecting business growth and development. Her expertise includes Kingscrest VAT recovery claims, a historic one-off claim opportunity, and in more recent years, advising businesses of the financial benefits of contract restructuring for care providers, effectively allowing them to recover VAT on an ongoing and retrospective basis.

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John O'Hare Indirect Tax Manager

Before joining VAT Solutions, John worked in numerous indirect tax roles within HMRC. Having successfully passed a BTEC Advanced Diploma in VAT Assurance, he spent 15 years as a VAT inspector carrying out audits on businesses of all sizes and sectors across the North of England. During this, he became familiar with most accounting systems, from simple manual ledgers to bespoke computerized packages, the challenges and opportunities presented by each and the analysis of the various reports produced.

John has a comprehensive understanding of VAT liability and legislation, its practical application in a wide range of businesses and the ability to explain the most complex areas in a clear and straightforward manner tailored to the customer’s needs.

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Thomas Hague Senior VAT Consultant

Tom studied at the Leeds Business School, graduating in 2016 with a degree in Business and Management. During his studies, Tom spent a year in the US working for a multinational corporation as part of a sandwich year.

This involved working in different departments throughout the business, with a critical focus on developing investment opportunities with clients. Following graduation, Tom worked in the hospitality industry, providing financial support to events across the UK, helping him develop strong analytical skills in finance.

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Rebecca Hargreaves VAT Consultant

Becky joined the team in 2015 after graduating from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Urban Studies. This provided her with an excellent understanding of the rules & regulations associated with the planning industry.

Having been with the company for many years, her role as a Senior VAT Analyst means she has developed a keen and fully-rounded knowledge of the sector. She is currently responsible for liaising with local authorities throughout the UK and providing specialist indirect tax analysis.

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George Hall VAT Consultant

As a student of Linguistics at the University of Sheffield, George has recently transitioned into an Accounts Manager position at VAT solutions.

Previously George has worked in various customer-facing and administration roles, which alongside his degree, have allowed him to develop his analytical and interpersonal skills. George is now looking to gain knowledge and experience in the tax sector.

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Julia Lazar Business Administrator

After completing her post-graduate studies in Management at the University of Sheffield, Julia’s career has focused on the finance sector. She joined VAT Solutions in 2012 and has built strong relationships with our clients over the years. Julia is a vital part of the VAT Solutions team, providing administrative support to all business areas.

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