Seniors
Adam White
Tax Manager
Engineering
Amy Johns
Tax Manager
Architecture
Ben Thompson
Tax Manager
STEM
Michelle Lockwood
HR & Practice Manager
Sean Devine
Sales Manager
Finance & Admin
Jess Bolderstone
Finance Assistant
Kyra Moore
Office Manager
Simon joined Wilby Jones’s predecessor, Hamilton Blake, in 2015 and has been responsible for the management and growth of the R&D business ever since. Over the last 8 years he has seen the business grow from 0 to 420 clients and 2 staff members to nearly 30.
Over his time with the business he has been actively involved in recovering nearly £70m in benefit for clients and is proud to have been able to defend any claim made when required by HMRC.
Simon is driven and a strong believer in teamwork, spending spare time finding theories to apply to the teams within Wilby Jones. His role within the business now consists of day-to-day management, training of the staff and working to find opportunities for growth and increasing the business’ capabilities.
Outside of work you will find Simon walking his Labrador Dexter around the countryside, spending time with family and watching his beloved Norwich City.
Simon Wilby
Director
Connor Jones
Director
Connor joined the business in 2020 to start our business development team, his primary function has been to build the sales function and drive client acquisition. Connor grew the sales function to 7 and has been pivotal in growing our client base.
Connor has a passion for growth and nurturing new talent within the business development team. Sustainable growth and the creation of opportunities are the cornerstones of Connors approach to his role.
Outside of work Connor enjoys live sport and is a regular at the football, rugby and cricket. An avid reader, his favourite titles include ‘How to own the world’ by Andrew Craig and ‘Start with why’ by Simon Sinek
Dawn joined Wilby Jones in 2023 as the Director of their Grants Division. In her role, Dawn manages the development and execution of grant funding strategies for clients. Dawn joins the company from her successful boutique firm, where she was instrumental in securing her clients upward of £8 million in grant funding. Her expertise and focus will be instrumental in ensuring that Wilby Jones' client base surpasses this level of success.
Dawn's career began in academia, where she completed both her bachelor's and master's degrees at Queen's University, Belfast. She was subsequently invited to pursue her Ph.D., culminating in a thesis discussing the role of architectural phenomenology in informing lived experiences. Following her doctoral work, she briefly worked as a University Lecturer, where she gained experience in personal and departmental academic funding, eventually leading to her own grants practice.
Over the past eight years, Dawn has worked with clients across various sectors, including Texan vineyards, innovators in medical devices, and funders from the US Department of Agriculture and local councils. However, her specialization lies in Innovate UK funding for high impact innovations.
Dawn's goal is to establish Wilby Jones as the gold standard in practice-based grant writing in the UK. Her approach is centred on curation and future planning, with the aim of creating a funding pathway that meets not only clients' immediate funding needs but also their future goals. This approach supports the most exciting innovations at their source and aims to achieve sustainable growth through funding.
Outside of Wilby Jones Dawn can be found on the leafy streets of south Belfast walking her pug Lucille and trying to make the perfect cold brew coffee- so far she hasn’t succeeded.
Dr Dawn Hargy-Louden
Grants Director
Adam White
Tax Manager
Head of Team Architecture/Engineering
I’ve been at Wilby Jones for 2 years now and since joining the company in July 2021, have personally worked on over 225 successful R&D claims for our clients. Before joining the company, I obtained a First-Class Honours degree in Electronic Engineering and Communications from the University of Surrey, which helps me quickly get to grips with work undertaken by our engineering clients.
I’m currently in the process of obtaining my ATT and CTA qualifications through the ATT-CTA training pathway, with the aim of becoming a Charted Tax Adviser.
I currently manage a team of 4 technical report writers working with a range of clients across architecture and engineering. My day-to-day at the company primarily revolves around speaking to our clients and learning about the work they are doing to innovate within their industry. Since joining Wilby Jones I’ve had the opportunity to broaden my knowledge on a range of fields within engineering and meet interesting people from all over the UK. Being able to hold discussions with experts about the work they are doing is by far my favourite part of the job, as I always learn something new.
I’m also involved in the onboarding process for new members of staff, working with my colleagues to deliver training to the newest members of the Wilby Jones Team!
Being able to help our clients claim the relief they deserve for undertaking this work is a rewarding experience, and the positive feedback we receive keeps me motivated to do the best we can for our clients.
In my role I spend most of my time working directly with my clients to make the R&D claim process as smooth as possible, make sure the team have everything they need to put together clear and robust R&D reports, and I also lead technical interviews with our clients to understand the details of their work to identify any areas in which they have the potential to claim a tax credit through the R&D scheme.
Having been involved in over 250 R&D claims over my two years here, I have found my specialism within with engineering sector. My team cover clients in civil, structural and mechanical engineering, as well as working closely alongside product developers, software developers and manufacturing clients.
Over the course of the last year, myself and the engineering team have claimed over £6 million for our clients and aim to always deliver high quality tax advice.
Before starting work at Wilby Jones, I studied Maths at the University of Lincoln, achieving First class honours in both my overall degree and my dissertation project focussing on computational traffic flow analysis. Since joining the company I have been studying on the ATT/CTA pathway and have now completed all the exams at the ATT level – my aim is to be a full chartered tax adviser within the next few years.
I enjoy the variety of the work undertaken by each of my clients, and particularly enjoy learning about new concepts directly from the professionals researching them and innovating within their industry every day. Whether talking to aerospace professionals or nuclear engineers, there is always something new to learn and it is exciting to see the trends across all industries appear during my conversations with clients.
I have been a keen guitarist for the last 18 years - having started lessons in primary school, I now regularly perform with several local bands, take part in recording sessions and have performed for musicals including We Will Rock You, Grease, and local town pantomimes.
Ben Thompson
Tax Manager
Head of Team Engineering
Amy Johns
Tax Manager
Head of Team Architecture
Since starting Wilby Jones in November 2020, I have worked on and overseen approximately 400 R&D claims for a variety of clients.
I am currently Part ATT Qualified working towards the ATT/CTA Pathway membership and aim to be fully qualified by Spring 2024. I graduated with a 2:1 BA Hons Geography Degree from the University of East Anglia in 2019 which has provided me with relevant knowledge in areas such as climate change, smart cities, and sustainability within the built environment - topics that crop up a lot within architecture.
The most interesting part of my role is liaising directly with our clients and gaining a deep understanding of the innovation within their projects. I have a particular interest in how sustainability is embedded within design on major infrastructure projects across the UK. It's great that the tax relief we provide our clients with helps to develop and accelerate the implementation of sustainable solutions in the building and infrastructure sector.
A fun fact about myself is that I took a gap year to travel around South East Asia after I graduated university (although it only lasted 4 months as it got cut short due to covid!) Hopefully one day I'll get to complete the trip...
I joined Wilby Jones in December 2021 as HR & Practice Manager. I manage the entire HR function for the business, I also head up the admin team as well as managing the Practice on a daily basis.
I am CIPD qualified and a trained Mental Health First Aider and have almost 20 years HR experience in various different industries including Oil & Gas, Manufacturing and the NHS.
My role here is very diverse, but I love being a core member of the practice bringing my knowledge and experience to support Simon and Connor shape the business into the dynamic, inclusive business it is. I am passionate about employee wellbeing and inclusion in the workplace and together we have worked hard to nurture a cohesive and transparent company culture that celebrates excellence and rewards success.
The company has grown and changed considerably in the last year alone and having won Growth Business of the Year Award in 2022 our plans for the future are exciting which I am delighted to be a part of.
A fun and little-known fact about me is that I am a descendant of Rudyard Kipling, the English poet and novelist who famously wrote the Jungle Book. Also, I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie and love taking part in raising money for charity, so far, I’ve done a 10,000 ft skydive and walked over hot coals on several occasions to raise money for local charities.
Michelle Lockwood
HR & Practice Manager
Fionnuala Allen
Partnerships Executive
I joined Wilby Jones in February 2023 and am part of the Business Development team. I have recently accepted the new responsibility of heading up our partnership sales channel.
Wilby Jones has organically grown partnerships over the years, and I'm now tasked with developing the channel and expanding our relationships. We've really hit the ground running so far and I'm really excited to how the channel develops over the coming months.
Outside of work I'm a keen runner and am currently training for the Amsterdam marathon.
I have been working at Wilby Jones since March 2022 and joined the company as a Practice Administrator. During my time in that position, I built a great rapport with all of our amazing clients through the process of scheduling meetings, requesting project information and completing regulatory AML checks.
Recently I have moved to work directly within R&D as a Trainee Tax Associate after showing a keen interest in this side of the business. It’s great to work for a company that promotes personal development and is continuously supportive during the process.
I find it extremely interesting hearing about the new projects our clients have been working on and it’s a great feeling that we play a small part in their innovative work being rewarded and recognised.
I have an identical twin, who came with me to the Christmas party which was quite fun for the team!
Pia Jackson
Trainee Tax Associate
Jack Tovee
Tax Associate
I am currently a Tax Associate on the Architecture Engineering crossover team, in my time at Wilby Jones I’ve worked on approximately 30 claims. I have had some great experience with larger clients in the company and really enjoy learning about new areas and projects that look to further knowledge with technology and engineering.
I read Biochemistry at The University of Nottingham, achieving a 2:1, and went on to read Investment & Financial Management at The UEA, achieving a Distinction.
At University I sung a Capella and performed in several concerts; I also like to play the violin.
I am a Business Development Manager based in the Norwich office. I enjoy the variety of this role; it has given me the opportunity to speak with all kinds of innovative businesses in the UK and it is always a challenging getting to know them and finding ways to make their experience better.
I am a naturally curious person with a love of fun facts, one of my favourites is that sharks have existed on earth for longer than trees, over 400 million years!
Harry Trendall
Business Development Manager
Jess Bolderstone
Finance Assistant
I recently joined the business as Finance Assistant in 2023. I previously worked as a Treasury Manager in Pensions and have a 2:1 BSc degree in Sport & Exercise Science.
Despite it not being the field, I studied, I have now been working in Finance for 5 years and really enjoy the industry. My role at Wilby Jones helps me to build my initiative and experience with rewarding results.
In 2021, I did a 26-mile Trek through the Lake District to raise money for Alzheimer's UK, raising over £600! We had all weather conditions, and it was extremely tough, but an amazing experience for a charity very close to the hearts of me and my family.
Before joining Wilby Jones, I studied International Relations and Politics with the Open University before completing my master’s in International Relations at the University of East Anglia. Alongside my undergraduate, I worked full-time in Events Management, the combination has culminated my skill in efficiently managing my time across multiple projects.
Having recently joined the Engineering team, the great thing about my role is that I will be constantly expanding my knowledge about the industry as each project is innovative and exciting.
Outside of work, to unwind I enjoy yoga, Pilates and walking my little dog on the beaches around Norfolk.
Lauren Wells
Trainee Tax Associate
Sean Devine
Sales Manager
Since Joining Wilby Jones, I have onboarded over 100 clients, including some of the most innovative members of the AJ100, and built the team out to 6 BDM's.
As well as onboarding clients myself, I have been pivotal in developing the teams’ systems and processes. Being very data-driven, I analyse and guide the team's performance and trial new software to improve efficiency. Since the inception of the BD function, we have increased annual turnover by 300%.
I have been here over 2 years now, and I really enjoy meeting new clients, introducing R&D to them, and seeing the impact it has had on their businesses. In particular, I enjoy watching the development of my team, both in the role and personally.
My background is a little varied, from 7 years in the Royal Marines, to appearing in a film (look out for me in Mary Queen of Scots!). In my spare time, I enjoy wine, the gym, and my motorbike. With my first child on the way, however, I might not have as much time for these soon!
I have worked at Wilby Jones since March 2022 fulfilling the role of Tax Associate for the Architecture Team. In this position I have worked with over 30 leading architecture firms in the industry to capture eligible R&D activity and write effective reports to HMRC.
I went to the University of Edinburgh and studied Ancient History, achieving a 1.1
Being a member of the architecture team has exposed me to cutting-edge developments within the industry, from refining existing processes to designing flagship projects which we see in our daily lives. Passionately learning the intricacies of our client’s projects enables us to deliver the best service.
I have run almost 300 parkruns (1500km in total). That is the equivalent distance from our office in Barton Bendish to the Colosseum in Rome.
Jacob Kelman
Tax Associate
Oliver Pindar
Tax Associate
I have recently completed my first year here at Wilby Jones and have worked on claims for businesses operating in a range of different sectors of the Architecture and Engineering industries. I have had the opportunity to work with clients who have developed benchmark first-in-class designs ranging from innovative seawall defences to clean energy storage and delivery systems for the aviation industry, to market leading lift designs, to zero-carbon residential developments. I am currently working towards my ATT/CTA pathway qualifications.
I went to Sheffield Hallam University and studied International Business and Economics, achieving an Upper Second-Class Honours.
My interests outside of work lie in sport in general, but I am particularly keen on all things racing and tennis. I go running with my dog daily and otherwise spend time with my friends and family.
I am a Tax Associate on the Engineering team.
I joined Wilby Jones in March 2022 and since then have worked on over 70 Research & Development claims during my career so far.
I received a 1st class degree in Accountancy & Finance from the University of Lincoln. During my time at Wilby Jones, I have begun working towards becoming a CTA qualified tax advisor.
I am passionate about working with clients where we can see the tangible benefits of the work they have undertaken as well as companies who use the relief they receive to invest further in R&D or employment.
During my free time I love to play and watch sport especially football, tennis, boxing, and Formula 1.
Joseph Rimmer
Tax Associate
Dene Smart
Trainee Tax Associate
I work in the Architecture team, where I get to use my writing experience to build research and development cases. Helping clients to gain extra resources that allows them to keep innovating makes my work very satisfying.
The great thing about my role is that I am learning so much about architecture and construction. Every day I am looking into cutting-edge building design, bold heritage building conservation, and everything in between.
I studied International Relations and Politics at the University of East Anglia, which led me into a career in translation. After living and working in South America, I came back to the UK looking to settle down and build a career, which has brought me to Wilby Jones.
In order to recover from the long, hard days sitting in front of a computer, I like to cycle around Norfolk’s country roads or do some running. Unfortunately, I haven’t quite matched the pace or distance of my colleague Jacob in Saturday morning park runs.
I joined Wilby Jones Engineering team in October 2023; the training and support offered here has allowed me to quickly grasp the intricate dynamics of Research and Development over a variety of Engineering projects within the sector. I spend most of my time writing reports that highlight the innovation undertaken by a variety of clients to HMRC.
Before joining Wilby Jones, I received an Upper Second-Class Honours Law Degree at the University of East Anglia. Studying Law has honed my writing, critical and analytical skills which is a good fit for this job.
When I’m not eating, I’m down at my local gym lifting weights. Last Christmas, I competed at the Norfolk Strongest Deadlift and Log competition and came fifth. This year I hope to beat my records and take it further outside of Norfolk and into other parts of the country.
James Nash
Trainee Tax Associate
Holly Lyden
Trainee Tax Associate
Before joining Wilby Jones, I read History at both undergraduate and postgraduate level in Lincoln. I then worked within a team of three to run a successful franchised restaurant for four years before finally deciding to combine my skills and start my career as a Tax Associate. I really enjoy expanding my knowledge and researching the new and innovative ways our clients achieve their R&D within their projects.
My favourite part of my job at Wilby Jones is the positive, collaborative atmosphere within the teams – the office dogs are a big highlight too!
Outside of my job, I am a keen musical theatre lover and spend my free time watching shows and singing. I am also a qualified cheerleading coach to the highest level in the UK, and even though I no longer run a cheerleading academy, I still love to keep up with and watch all of my favourite teams in their competitions.
I joined the Wilby Jones team in 2022 as a Business Development manager, since then I have learnt quickly to ensure that I can give factual and consistent information to prospects within the architectural and engineering sectors. I have been successful with companies of varying sizes from 10 man firms with some above 100 employees.
I enjoy helping companies begin their journey into claiming tax relief that they are entitled to and seeing how this can help them grow or achieve goals.
Prior to my time with the business I had other roles within sales and obtained a degree in Studied Forensic Science.
I spend a lot of my spare time building computers, working on AV set ups and tweaking displays and audio to get the best performance - a fun fact about me is that I was born on the same day as the internet.
Will Cowburgh
Business Development Manager
Kyra Moore
Office Manager
I’m the Office Manager at Wilby Jones and manage the meeting bookings, AML and compliance.
I started my compliance career at one of the big 4 accounts consultancy firms which gave me not only a passion for all things legislation and AML but a great understanding of financial services as a whole. After taking redundancy, I travelled round Cambodia, Malaysia, Bali, Singapore, Australia, Vietnam and the Philippines for a year. Then moved to Dublin to an investment platform working within their compliance team. There I established an AML screening program for all potential acquisitions around the globe. I have also spent time working within the newly regulated Art market creating and implementing AML offerings.
I’m really excited to join the team Wilby Jones and help with their growth plans, there is a massive variety of clients who have some really innovative projects, so no day is ever the same.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife and our very demanding Chow Chow called Chester.
I get to work with some amazing engineering clients looking at their interesting new projects and researching how they are making an impact in their industry. My main role is to learn about exciting engineering projects from meetings with clients and then use that data to write tax reports on those projects.
Prior to starting at Wilby Jones I read History and Politics at university, with a particular focus on medieval history and conflict studies.
After a long day I enjoy walks in the beautiful rural landscapes of Norfolk. I’m an avid hiker, I spend my downtime at weekends exploring the UK’s national parks and attempting hiking challenges to varying degrees of success!
My ultimate destination for a holiday would be French Polynesia, combining my favourite things; crystal water, speaking French and open skies.
Sam Payne
Trainee Tax Associate
Jordan Jones
Trainee Tax Associate
I am currently training to be a Tax Associate on the Architecture Engineering crossover team at Wilby Jones. I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients which have expanded my knowledge of the way companies use R&D to develop innovative ways of improving science and technology.
I studied Photography & Film at the University of Lincoln with the primary focus of my studies being around analogue methods that involved me spending a large portion of my time in the photographic darkrooms. I have always held a huge passion for 35mm and 120mm film photography with my current collection of film cameras ranging at about 20+ with it always growing as I find new and interesting cameras.
I have a huge passion for queer literature, cinema, and art, with this area of interest taking a special place in my heart. In my spare time I enjoy playing a vast selection of PC based games which I push competitively with friends.
I recently joined Wilby jones as a Tax Associate for the architecture team. Before joining Wilby Jones I studied History at University of East Anglia and achieved a first Class Honours.
I enjoy learning and researching about how some clients are positively impacting their industry. Every day I learn something new about architecture and the ways R&D can be achieved for our clients - I especially love seeing examples of sustainable innovative designs.
During my free time, I like to read, exercise, and I'm currently trying to teach myself Spanish. Fun fact but I'm also a fully qualified nail technician!
I love the outdoors, spending time at the beach and travelling. My ultimate dream is to go to Thailand and visit Phi Phi islands or finish off my bucket list around Italy!
Emma Preston
Trainee Tax Associate
Molly Blackmur
Trainee Tax Associate
I have recently started working at Wilby Jones as a Graduate Trainee Tax Associate as part of the engineering team.
Before starting my role, I knew very little about R&D but in the short time I have been at Wilby Jones I have found an interest in the varied projects the clients are receiving relief from.
I studied Anthropology at the University of Roehampton London, achieving a 2:1. Outside of work, I enjoy playing sports, especially rugby, which I started in high school and continued in my university team.
I joined Wilby Jones as a Graduate R&D Tax Associate and currently work on the Architecture team. Though I have always had an interest in architecture, I love learning something new about it from every client I work with. I thoroughly enjoy writing about the innovative and sustainable projects our clients often undertake. Throughout my career at Wilby Jones, I am eager to expand my knowledge and expertise in R&D tax relief.
Prior to joining, I studied BA International Relations at the University of East Angia, achieving a first-class honours degree. I primarily focused my studies on environmental and energy security. Before that, I worked in hospitality and healthcare for several years. My experience has resulted in a passion for delivering excellent service to all our clients.
In my spare time, I love to travel and explore new places as well as attending concerts whenever I can.
Georgina Wadsley
Trainee Tax Associate
Oliver Murfet
Trainee Tax Associate
Prior to joining Wilby Jones, I studied Economics at De Montfort University, where I achieved first-class honours in 2023. A highlight of my previous career was my time as a Chef at Nando’s, during my second year at university. Additionally, I worked several summers at Amazon, and my first job was as a waiter/bartender at my local constitutional club.
I joined Wilby Jones as a member of team STEM and I’m passionate about working with our clients to claim the benefits that they’re entitled to. My favourite aspect of the job role is learning about the various innovative projects our clients get up to and helping them prosper.
Outside of work I am an aspiring hybrid athlete, gym goer and newly developed runner, completing my first marathon in York 2023 after 2 weeks of being at Wilby Jones. My current long-term goal is to complete an Ironman triathlon somewhere in Europe.
I love the outdoors and will take any opportunity to go for a hike or a camping trip. My dream holiday would be taking my three border collies camping in the Lake District. I’d also love to do the three peaks challenge in the near future, having defeated Scafell Pike in 2022.
Before joining Wilby Jones I studied an undergraduate degree at the University of East Anglia graduating in Computer Science.
My sales career started off as a door-to-door salesman where I sold charity subscriptions throughout Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge. That job helps me currently as it taught me about having a high work ethic and maintaining a positive attitude whatever the weather. After 2 years doing door to door, I went to work as a bar man at Gonzos Tea Room which is a popular restaurant and nightclub in Norwich. Although the night shifts could be tough, it has put me in a good position to work at Wilby Jones as needed to work well in a team, think on your feet and maintain a positive experience with customers from all walks of life.
Outside of work I love boxing and teaching boxing, I am very proud to have competed and won fights. I also love movies and the cinema which I go to every week.
Benjamin Joseph-Ebare
Junior Business Development Manager
Ben White
Junior Business Development Manager
Prior to starting Wilby Jones I completed a bachelors and master’s degree at the University of East Anglia. I joined Wilby Jones in October 2023 as the newest member of the sales team. I also bring experience from 3 years in financial services.
At work, I aid acquisition by fostering strong client relationships.
Outside work, you're likely to find me in one of Norwich's many pubs and restaurants or tending my allotment garden during the summer months.