I began my journey into accounting by completing the AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting, which gave me a rigorous foundation in the principles and professional standards of the industry. However, my real passion for the subject was forged through over 12 years of hands-on business ownership. Managing the complete financial cycle for two co-owned businesses, I have navigated everything from daily bookkeeping and payroll to VAT returns, R&D tax credit claims, and Corporation Tax filings using tools like QuickBooks, Basic PAYE, and CT600 forms. Additionally, I serve as the Treasurer for the Natural Computing Applications Forum (NCAF), where I maintain financial records and monitor expenditure for this not-for-profit organisation.
Beyond my corporate work, I have a deep commitment to the education and development of others. For many years, I have also run my own study centre, the Kumon Swansea Sketty Study Centre, where I support students aged 4 to 17 in mastering maths and English. As the Lead Instructor, I manage the centre’s entire operation, including mentoring a team of young class assistants and handling all accounts and self-assessment tax returns.
My passion for training has also taken me onto the international stage. I co-pioneered the 7Epsilon global training program, an initiative focused on data-driven process improvement for the metal casting sector. In this role, I have trained over 180 process engineers across the UK, USA, India, and Europe. I specialized in designing interactive coursework—such as Excel-based case studies and “penalty matrices”—to help professionals simplify complex data and meet ISO 9001 standards. I also recently had the privilege of delivering workshops in South Africa at UNISA and the ICSSM 2024 conference, where I was invited to serve as a Session Chair. During these events, I taught root cause analysis and the use of modern tools like prompt engineering to automate risk management.
As an AAT Tutor, I love finding the “lightbulb moment” when a student finally masters a difficult concept. Because I still manage active business accounts today, I can share real-life examples that help our apprentices see exactly how their studies translate into workplace success. I am also a firm believer in the importance of digital literacy, often using camera projectors and Zoom/Teams to ensure our remote learners feel as supported as those in a physical classroom.
Outside of Work I am a very social person and I love taking part in community events. One of my greatest passions is inviting friends over to enjoy a well-cooked meal together; I find there is nothing quite like good food and great company to bring people together. I am also a big believer in lifelong learning and personal growth. I recently decided to face a long-held fear of water and am now formally taking swimming lessons. Whether I am in the classroom, the kitchen, or the pool, I am always looking for the next challenge to tackle.
My Motto:
“Focus on the small, visible steps to achieve the big dreams you envision.”