L-R: Dan Guy – Director – Cubed Tax, Lucy Charles – Private Client Tax Director – Ballards LLP, Martin Adams – Corporate Tax Partner – Ballards LLP, Phil Waller – Tax Partner – Ballards LLP and Gina Gardner – Associate Director – Ballards LLP
West Midlands-based Chartered Accountants Ballards LLP has once again demonstrated their prominence in the tax profession by securing three prestigious nominations at the upcoming Tolley’s Taxation Awards 2025. This remarkable achievement underscores the firm’s dedication to technical excellence, innovative solutions, and exceptional client service across multiple aspects of tax practice.
The firm has been shortlisted in three significant categories:
- Best Tax Practice in a Regional Firm
- Tax Mentor of the Year – Phil Waller, Partner
- Taxation’s Rising Star – Gina Gardner, Associate Director
This is not Ballards’ first appearance on the Tolley’s shortlist, reflecting their consistent position amongst the UK’s elite tax professionals. The firm’s nomination for Best Tax Practice highlights their impressive growth throughout 2024, featuring three fully integrated departments that collaborate seamlessly to deliver comprehensive client service.
A distinguishing factor in Ballards’ approach is their commitment to maintaining specialist tax services in-house rather than outsourcing. Their expertise covers R&D tax credits, Inheritance Tax planning, complex trust taxation, and capital allowances – all supported by carefully cultivated top talent within the organisation.
The firm has established itself as a leader in several specialised areas, including healthcare sector mergers and acquisitions, tax support for professional athletes, and consultancy for niche businesses. Beyond client work, Ballards professionals regularly educate fellow practitioners as recognised industry experts, further cementing their reputation for excellence that extends beyond standard tax services.
Phil Waller’s nomination for Tax Mentor of the Year celebrates his extraordinary dedication to professional development within the firm. Colleagues praise his willingness to invest time explaining complex concepts, providing thoughtful guidance, and sharing valuable insights. His approachable teaching style and patience have been instrumental in developing the tax knowledge and capabilities of numerous team members.
Gina Gardner’s recognition as Taxation’s Rising Star acknowledges her remarkable contributions as Chair of Ballards’ Next Gen Board and her strategic expansion beyond R&D specialisation into more complex advisory areas. Known for her resilience and unwavering client dedication, Gina continues to mentor junior colleagues while driving innovation throughout the firm.
The Tolley’s Taxation Awards represent the gold standard for excellence in the UK tax profession. The competition is exceptionally rigorous, with hundreds of firms and individuals submitting applications annually. Only the most outstanding candidates make the shortlist following a comprehensive evaluation by industry leaders, tax experts, and respected professionals.
Being recognised across three distinct categories is particularly significant in an industry known for its high standards and fierce competition. This triple shortlisting validates Ballards’ work not only in the eyes of their clients but also among their peers and the wider tax community.
The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony scheduled for Thursday, 8th May 2025. Whatever the outcome, these nominations already represent a significant endorsement of Ballards LLP’s commitment to excellence in tax practice.
For more information about Ballards LLP and their comprehensive tax services, visit their website: www.ballardsllp.com