Swindon & Wiltshire News
WBR Group strengthens tax team with two senior appointments
Salisbury-based WBR Group, the UK’s largest independent provider of SSAS services and tax experts, has strengthened its tax team with the appointment of tax director Tom Lodge and tax manager Akshay Vaghela.
Tom will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of the WBR Tax function, with 11 people reporting to him. He will be a member of the executive board, headed by David Downie and will also report to the main board on all tax-related matters.
Tom joined WBR Group in 2019 and has over 10 years’ experience in the tax sector.
He started his career within Grant Thornton’s tax compliance unit where he qualified as a tax technician before transferring to their private client and entrepreneur advisory team in Birmingham where he qualified as a chartered tax adviser.
Tom has advised on a wide variety of tax planning opportunities. However, his main focus is corporate reconstructions and sales where he applies his technical understanding, and research skills, to identify creative solutions and tackle any tax risks.
Akshay joined WBR Group in 2021 as a senior associate with a particular specialisation in restructuring. He joined the firm from Wilson Wright where he was a tax supervisor.
Tom Moore, CEO, WBR Group, said: “Tom has been with the business for four years and has been an invaluable member of the team, with a strong appreciation for technical detail, taking a keen interest in case law and future developments of tax policy.
“With his deep understanding of the legislation, and wider concepts he is able to advise on complex situations. His extensive experience and knowledge of the tax landscape will be invaluable as we continue to grow WBR Tax.
“The promotion of Tom and Akshay further strengthens our tax team and demonstrates our commitment to providing our clients and professional connections with the highest level of expertise and service.”
Tom said: “I am honoured and thrilled to take on the role of tax director at WBR Group. I look forward to leading our talented team and providing our clients with innovative and effective tax solutions. I am excited to be part of the executive board and to contribute to the continued success of WBR Group.”
In January 2023, WBR Group announced the acquisition of Salisbury-based Rowanmoor Executive Pensions Limited’s book of 3,500 small self-administered schemes (SSAS), for an undisclosed sum.
Pictured: Tom Lodge, Tom Moore, Akshay Vaghela
