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Tel: 01702 470 033

Meet The Team

We are a dedicated team which strives to provide success to our clients in regards to all their accountancy needs. Our team is very close-knit and ensures that a unified support is provided to you whenever you need it. With expertise covering all aspects of accountancy, taxation and business advisory services, we are well placed to take a holistic view to planning for the future as well dealing with specific matters.

Michael G Elford, F.C.C.A

I qualified in 1971 whilst working for a London practice. Having moved out of the City, I joined Clouders in 1974 and became a Director in 1975. My experience has developed over the years but have dealt mainly in general practice offering a friendly personal and professional service to clients. I also serve as a board member of a local Housing Association.

In years gone by I was involved in youth activities but now concentrate on keeping myself youthful with the occasional round of golf.

David J Osborn, F.C.C.A

I qualified in 1985 after being with Clouders since 1976. Prior to joining Clouders, I worked as a management accountant within industry. I have a general accountancy background with specific interest in IR35 companies and charity organisations.

I am also governor at a local school and serve on various committees within the community.

Chris Binnie, F.C.A

I qualified in 1994 and joined Clouders in 1996, becoming a Director in 2000. Having a general practice background, I progressed on to become the Director responsible for Audits and I am a governer of a local school. I enjoy the challenge of providing the client with a fast quality service.

Being of the younger age I enjoy the adrenalin rush of kart racing and offroad cycling, having avoided the lure of the golf course.

Lynn Hughes, F.C.C.A

I joined Clouders in 1999 after working at other Southend based accountants. I qualified in 2005 and became a Director in 2008.

I have worked with a wide variety of clients and businesses, but I have an interest in general medical practitioners and the reporting requirements of the medical profession.

I aim to provide a personal and quality service to meet the needs of the individual and businesses.

Russell Lazell

I currently serve as Tax Manager within Clouders attending to the needs of both Clients and Partners alike. I qualified in Taxation in 1994 whilst working around Oxford and have obtained my Fellow status with the Association. I joined Clouders in 2006 after returning from life in Japan. I predominately deal in Personal, Business and Capital Gains tax but have experience in all direct and indirect taxes. Within Clouders, I specialise in non-residents and UK compliance of ex-pats. Prior to qualifying in tax, I have some five years of audit experience so am fully conversant in accountancy as well.

Nic Rowe

My accountancy career spans more than 30 years in public practice, during which time I have gained extensive experience in a wide range of disciplines, including accounting systems, design and financial reporting for sole traders and partnerships, companies, charities and pension schemes, as well as business and personal taxation, VAT and capital gains and inheritance tax planning.

In addition to matters which they may raise with me directly, clients rely on my providing unprompted, timely advice as part of the overall service, where that advice is pertinent to their business or tax affairs. Whenever communicating with clients, I always remember that they are not (usually) fellow-accountants and I, therefore, avoid any use of jargon and endeavour to explain matters as simply as possible.

Sam Bailey, A.C.C.A

I have been with Clouders since I started my accountancy career in May 2014. Having become fully qualified in April 2019, I am now responsible for managing and training a team of junior and semi-senior accountants. As well as working closely with the directors to help manage their clients and assist with the day to day running of the business, I have also recently begun building my own portfolio of clients. 

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