Lead:
Kilsby Williams has expanded its tax practice with three appointments, adding experienced managers and new talent to bolster client services. The firm named Aron Barnes and Sarah Diggle as tax managers and brought in Joseph Davies as a tax trainee, signalling investment in both senior expertise and the next generation of advisers. The move aims to support client demand for compliance and advisory work amid ongoing changes to UK tax rules and digital reporting. The South Wales Argus reported the appointments on 15 October 2025. By adding capacity at two levels, the firm sets out to improve response times, deepen technical coverage and strengthen its training pipeline. The hires also point to a steady market for tax services, where businesses face tighter reporting timetables and a need for clear guidance.
Context and Timing:
The South Wales Argus reported the appointments on 15 October 2025. The announcement adds to recent examples of firms increasing headcount in tax teams as the UK continues to roll out digital reporting and updates to compliance frameworks. The timing places the hires ahead of busy year-end work for many clients, when firms need stronger resourcing to meet filing deadlines and plan for the next financial year.
Senior hires aim to reinforce advisory capacity
Kilsby Williams’ decision to appoint Aron Barnes and Sarah Diggle as tax managers reflects a clear focus on experienced leadership within the team. Manager-level advisers often guide complex client work, ranging from corporation tax and personal tax planning to reviews of reliefs and allowances. They also mentor junior staff, help shape client strategies and contribute to technical quality control. By naming two managers at once, the firm signals a plan to grow advisory capacity and ensure resilience during peak periods.
The addition of a tax trainee, Joseph Davies, complements that strategy by building a pipeline of future managers. Trainees typically rotate across areas such as compliance, client onboarding, and research, while they work towards professional exams. With this structure, Kilsby Williams can spread workload more effectively, free up managers for higher-value advisory work and maintain the pace of client delivery. This combination helps firms scale without losing quality as client needs evolve.
Demand for tax expertise remains high amid regulatory change
Businesses across the UK continue to navigate updates to tax guidance, reporting standards and digital processes. Rules change regularly, and the move to digital reporting under programmes such as Making Tax Digital has reshaped how firms collect and submit information. Many companies now rely on specialists to interpret changes, implement controls and maintain accuracy under tighter timetables. In this environment, firms that invest in tax expertise aim to give clients confidence and reduce risk.
Tax teams also handle reviews of reliefs, claims and elections that can affect cash flow and investment plans. As interest rates and costs shift, businesses often revisit their tax position to manage working capital and support growth. Skilled tax managers can identify issues early, recommend practical steps and coordinate with auditors or legal advisers where needed. Trainees support this by gathering data, preparing computations and drafting documents, which helps teams deliver consistent results under pressure.
What tax managers and trainees deliver for clients
Tax managers usually lead engagements, supervise compliance cycles and advise on planning within the law. They review returns, oversee correspondence with HMRC and guide clients through queries or checks. They also help clients understand the impact of new rules, such as changes to allowances or reporting thresholds, and they prepare clear timelines to keep projects on track. Strong manager oversight often translates into fewer errors, faster resolution of issues and better coordination across finance teams.
Trainees contribute by supporting the production of tax computations and maintaining accurate records. They learn to use tax software, manage workflows and document procedures for audits or future checks. As trainees gain experience, they take on client communication under supervision and develop technical knowledge through professional study. This structured learning helps firms maintain quality and ensures the team can respond quickly when deadlines approach, especially during busy seasons.
Training routes and professional standards in UK tax
UK tax careers typically follow recognised professional routes, including qualifications such as the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) and the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA). These programmes combine exams with practical experience, ethical training and continuing professional development. Many firms, including regional practices and larger networks, run structured training plans to help trainees progress to adviser and manager roles. This approach builds technical depth and promotes consistent standards across client work.
Ethics and governance sit at the core of UK tax practice. Advisers must give accurate, lawful advice and maintain clear records that stand up to review. They follow documented processes, ensure proper sign-offs and use digital tools to reduce manual error. Investment in high-quality training supports this framework, helping firms manage risk while delivering timely, reliable outcomes. In turn, clients gain from clear advice that reflects the latest guidance and sector practice.
Implications for clients and the wider market
Appointments at both manager and trainee levels can improve service levels for clients by increasing capacity, deepening technical coverage and enhancing continuity. Clients benefit when advisers can respond quickly to queries, provide tailored insights and maintain consistent delivery throughout the year. Additional managers help absorb complex projects, while trainees support day-to-day tasks that keep compliance on schedule. This mix can reduce bottlenecks and improve turnaround times.
For the wider market, sustained hiring in tax points to ongoing demand for advisory and compliance services. Businesses continue to seek clarity on evolving rules and digital requirements, and they value firms that can combine specialist knowledge with practical support. When firms invest in people, they signal confidence in the pipeline of work and a commitment to long-term client relationships. That stability supports local business communities and strengthens professional services across the UK.
Wrap-Up:
Kilsby Williams’ three appointments—two tax managers, Aron Barnes and Sarah Diggle, and a tax trainee, Joseph Davies—mark a clear step to expand capacity and strengthen service. Reported on 15 October 2025 by the South Wales Argus, the move aligns with a broader push across the UK to invest in tax expertise as rules evolve and digital reporting beds in. Clients stand to gain from faster responses, stronger oversight and a more resilient team during peak filing periods. The combination of senior hires and a trainee also supports a healthy talent pipeline, which helps maintain standards and continuity. As businesses plan for year-end and the next financial cycle, added resource in tax teams can improve compliance, reduce risk and create more space for proactive advice. The appointments show a firm positioning itself to meet rising demand with a balanced, future-ready team.
