Our Consultants

John Hollingdale, MA(Oxon), FCA, MCIArb

John began his career working for the international firm of accountants, Deloitte Haskins & Sells and was a partner with that firm from 1983 to 1988. During this time, he established a successful Owner Managed Business Group which he transferred to his own practice, Hollingdales, in 1989.

Under John’s leadership, Hollingdales became one of the leading firms of Chartered Accountants within Bristol, providing business advice to a range of organisations within the area.

In 1997 Hollingdales merged with HLB Kidsons and John became the Office Managing Partner for the Bristol office. More recently HLB Kidsons merged with Baker Tilly. After this merger John decided to establish a smaller, more personal firm, which resulted in the creation of The John Hollingdale Partnership in 2003, which merged with McEwen & Pooley to become Hollingdale Pooley in 2004.

In 1999, John qualified as a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He deals mainly with disputes between Chartered Accountancy practices referred by the President of the Institute. John’s considerable experience of managing his own professional practice over many years gives him the relevant skills and insight to carry out this work.

John’s technical skills in audit, accountancy and tax, combined with the practical business skills he has acquired mean he is able to offer valuable specialist advice to clients when required.

Helen Grist, ACA

Helen completed her Chartered training with an independent Bristol practice called Acklands Bunker in 1991. During her training she worked within the tax department and after qualifying continued to specialise in the provision of tax services. Shortly after qualifying, she joined Hollingdales as a tax manager taking on a portfolio of owner managed businesses, wealthy individuals and trusts. Helen was promoted to a senior manager and she continued this role following the Hollingdales merger with HLB Kidsons and Baker Tilly.

Helen is a member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) and has a strong and varied understanding of tax. She is capable of applying this knowledge to the individual circumstances surrounding our clients in order to provide appropriate tax advice and planning opportunities. Her areas of specialisation include the Taxation of Trusts, Inheritance tax planning, Personal tax and Corporation tax.