Leicester Office

Luke heads up the firm’s Audit practice in the Leicester office and looks after the affairs of a large number of Owner Managed Business, Academy and not for profit clients.  Luke joined Clear & Lane as a Trainee Accountant in 1995, and after progression through the firm’s training he qualified in April 2000 with the ACCA.  He gained promotion to Assistant Manager in June 2004 and Manager in December 2006 as well as achieving ACCA Fellowship status.  He progressed to Partner in May 2012 at the same time as becoming a member of the ICAEW. Outside of work Luke enjoys spending time with his family, restoring classic cars and “extreme” DIY. On Sundays he enthusiastically coaches his teenage sons from the sidelines at their football matches, as dads do!    

Paul heads up the firm’s non-Audit practice in the Leicester office and oversees the affairs of a large number of Owner Managed Businesses. Paul also works closely with a number of the practice’s Audit clients. Paul joined Clear & Lane as a Trainee Accountant in 1994, qualifying as an ACCA in April 2000.  He was appointed Assistant Manager in June 2004 and Manager in December 2006.  He progressed to Partner in May 2012, whilst also attaining his ACA qualification. Outside of work, he can usually be found on matchdays at the King Power stadium watching Leicester City or will alternatively have his head in a book or be watching a TV boxset.

David looks after clients of all sizes, he specialises in OMB's and personal tax planning.  David gained a BSc in Economics and Accountancy at Loughborough University, and joined Pannell Kerr Forster in 1980.  Having qualified in 1985 he joined Clear & Lane as an Audit Manager in February 1986.  He was appointed Partner in May 1987, and Managing Partner on 1 May 2012.

Ismail is a senior manager who has significant experience working with and advising owner managed businesses across a wide variety of sectors.  Prior to joining Magma Ismail spent sixteen years at the Leicester offices of national accountancy firms Mazars and RSM. Away from the office, Ismail enjoys keeping fit and spending time with his wife and three daughters who keep him very busy.

Lee is a qualified professional with CIPP and over 20 year's payroll management experience.  Working at a senior level for a number of large payroll departments within practice.  Lee has experience of running an efficient team with an organised structure and promotes a payroll department with excellent communication skills and a high level of accurate data recording. Away from the office Lee dedicates his free time to his wonderful family including his two sons. Growing up in Manchester he joins the majority, and supports Manchester United!

Liz is a fellow of the ACCA, with over 15 years experience of working in both audit and business services.  She specialises in audit and the audit and preparation of group accounts.  She has a wide variety of experience across many different sectors.  Prior to joining Clear and Lane she spent five years working in the audit and assurance department of a top ten firm.  Outside of work Liz enjoys spending time with her young family, swimming, camping and various other outdoor activities.          

Kaylee joined Clear & Lane as a Trainee Accountant in 2007, qualifying with AAT in 2009 and then as an ACCA in August 2012.  She was appointed to Assistant Manager in May 2013.  Kaylee is an established member of the Audit and Business Services team.  She has gained experience working across a wide variety of industry sectors including companies, charities and academies. Outside of work Kaylee enjoys spending time with her family, socialising with friends and squeezing in an exotic holiday!  

Rebecca qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 2014 having joined Clear & Lane in 2008 as a Trainee Accountant, and worked her way through AAT. Working in the Audit and Business Services team she has gained experience across a variety of industry sectors and is a member of both the Charities and Academies Teams. Away from the office Becca enjoys socialising with friends and baking, having baked her way to first place in the Great Office Bake Off!  

I am currently studying towards a diploma in payroll management with the CIPP and have almost completed 2 of 3 years.  Once qualified I will become a chartered payroll professional.  I have over twelve years payroll experience working within financial services, payroll software and bureau, and currently provide support and guidance to the payroll team. Outside of work I enjoy socialising with family and friends, going to music concerts and travelling.

Mark has over 14 years experience in advising owner managed business and private clients on a broad range of commercial, transactional and taxation issues.  He has advised on a large number of trade sales, management buy-outs and business restructurings and provides ongoing strategic support to businesses and their owners in setting and achieving objectives. A Chartered Tax Adviser, with a background at PwC, Mark combines tax expertise with strong commercial and practical awareness. Mark led Magma’s own Management Buy-Out from a mid size practice in 2011. Away from the office, Mark’s interests are sporting-biased, in particular football, golf and racket ball (…squash for slightly less talented people!).  However, he undoubtedly expends most energy looking after his two young children.

Will has over 15 years' experience in advising UK owner-managed businesses and international groups on a broad range of commercial, transactional and compliance issues.  Will has an excellent understanding of what makes a business successful and how to increase its value.  Will combines his audit and corporate finance experience to provide his clients with commercial and practical advice.  Will overseas both the Audit & Assurance and Business Services departments, and is actively involved in Magma's Corporate Finance offering. Will has extensive experience in both buy-side and sell-side advice regarding MBOs, MBIs, BIMBOs, VIAMBOs, mergers, acquisition, disposals and fund raising. Away from the office, Will has two young boys to keep entertained, which he just about keeps separate from other hobbies of fishing, shooting, horse racing and skiing.

Shafwaan is a Corporate Finance lead advisor who has significant experience in advising on Corporate Finance transactions. His area of specialism is advising exiting or retiring shareholders on unlocking maximum value from the sale of their business.  Shafwaan is able to manage the entire sale process from identifying and discreetly approaching strategic trade or private equity buyers, securing offers and negotiating the terms of a deal and project management of the deal through to completion. Shafwaan is also experienced in assisting clients in realising growth through targeted acquisition searches and in raising growth capital. Prior to joining Magma, Shafwaan spent over six years at national accountancy firm RSM, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant and where he focussed exclusively on the SME market. Outside of work he enjoys fishing, football and socialising with friends.        

David graduated from Hull University in 1987 with an Honours degree in Economics and Social History.  After spending seven years with Sun Life, David began his career as an independent financial adviser in 1994 and has since been providing advice to private clients and small businesses on all aspects of their financial planning.  David also holds a Diploma in Financial Planning.

Jason graduated from Coventry University in 1992 with an Honours degree in Financial Economics.  After spending four years with NPI he started his career as an independent financial adviser in 1996 and has since been advising clients on all aspects of financial planning.  Jason also holds a Diploma in Financial Planning.