I first started working with David as his client when I had come back to work after my second maternity leave – I was trying to settle back into work at the same time as stepping into a new role, and I didn’t feel particularly confident. Right from the start, David wasn’t just a fantastic professional advisor; he was also a source of personal support. He felt like more than an advisor to me, and instead like a supportive colleague or mentor, who went out of his way to provide advice and guidance on all sorts of challenges that I faced, beyond technical VAT issues. I genuinely valued his opinion and trusted the perspective he would provide during challenging times.

His kindness and encouragement also extended to family life, as our children are around the same age, and he could relate to the times when I was trying to juggle family and work life. His holiday destination recommendations were also exemplary…..with a perfect combination of entertainment to occupy energetic children, while also accommodating the needs of relaxation-seeking and cocktail-drinking parents!

There are two images of David that I’ll always carry with me: one, the professional expert, always poised and knowledgeable; and two, the “bumbling fool,” as he referred to himself,  whose humorous mishaps never failed to lighten the mood. My favourite example being when he stood up from the table at a restaurant and clumsily headbutted a pendant light, so hard that it clattered and swung round the room like a helicopter – not the look I think he was aiming for!

David had this incredible knack for making everyone feel special. He perfectly balanced humility, compassion, and professionalism, a combination that’s truly rare and left a lasting impact on me and many others. As we remember the wonderful man that David was, it’s clear that his spirit – his values, integrity, warmth, kindness, and professionalism—continue to live on through his team and his legacy clearly shines through in each of them.