hi, we're ammu

A distinctive blend of accounting, management information and tax specialists with a commercial perspective on business. 

what we do

Our unique team use cloud based software, digital and analytical tools to help clients to get a better understanding of their key numbers, trends, and their future choices and options, enabling them to make better decisions key to creating sustainable growth. This is our raison d’etre.

In May 2020, Jane Grant and Simon Murrision united two well respected Scottish accountancy practices Amas Scotland, which was founded in 2002, and Murrison & Wilson, founded in 2013. They successfully combined two innovative, digitally led practices with complementary skills and shared values, all under one name – ammu during the first lockdown of 2020.

Find out more about us here.
We focus on specific client types – owner-managed / family run, SMEs £1m-£10m t/o across a range of sectors, including professional services, construction, financial services, healthcare – opticians, dentists, pharmacists, and private clients – HNWs, investors and retired business owners. We also have specific focus on the manufacturing & engineering sectors, and the supply chain in these industries, for generating R&D Tax Credits work / raising funding for investment / digitisation of financial systems.

Find out more about how we work here.

what's in store for 2022

After a very positive first year of trading as the new merged business, we achieved an initial growth in turnover of around 5% with a further 10% in the converted sales pipeline / in process of being onboarded.

This growth has mainly come about due to the increased range of business and tax advisory services we can now offer to our compliance only clients. This is a road that has further to travel and will provide even more opportunities for us. 

We are targeting further growth through key service offerings by winning new clients / growing existing base through our: business advisory: MI, management accounting, digitisation and virtual FD services; tax advisory – transactions, planning – business and personal; and the traditional year-end accounting + tax services. Find out more about what we do here.

Our overriding aim is to develop new income from new clients and new income from existing clients – expanding service footprint into compliance base and vice versa for advisory clients. Tax advisory – covering property, succession planning, transactions (buying / selling businesses), as well as the impacts on the Directors personally from their business activities.

As a newly merged practice we are aiming to increase the profile of the firm, our offering and our key individuals’ expertise and capabilities. We have an inherent west coast bias due to our offices in Glasgow and Ayr, with a client base centred around these locations. We do however wish to broaden beyond our west-coast bases to raise our profile across the central belt, and we have also recently been working on increasing the profile of firm in manufacturing and engineering sectors UK wide.

we want to hire

The position is for a senior tax specialist who will be responsible for all tax department functions and staff, including compliance, advisory and responding to tax correspondence.

A key part of the role requires you to be up to date with latest technologies and regulatory policy in alignment with HMRC. The specialist role also requires a high level of competency in corporation and personal tax rules. As ammu’s tax specialist we require you to understand well, tax exposures/disclosures and in particular where our clients have residency overseas. To support our clients you need to be aware of the implications related to inheritance and capital gains tax and help clients where required on investment decisions.

For the role we expect you to have strong analytical skills with eagle eye attention to detail and the ability to manage your team and time efficiently. We are looking for a person who will lead the tax department in line with our values and the strategic direction of our company. The successful candidate will demonstrate leadership qualities and the ability to grow the tax business in an innovative manner.

Bruce Wilson was Simon’s business partner for seven years prior to the merger; Simon and Bruce had worked together for 20+ years prior to this, and it follows, many of the tax clients which Bruce was responsible for servicing were longstanding 20+ year relationships.

Bruce retired in Summer 2020 and was replaced by an experienced Tax Manager from a mid-tier Scottish accountancy practice. A well thought through handover process was put in place to ensure the new Tax Manager was given the right support to manage and grow the tax client base. This included an significant client communication effort – email communications re new person’s skills and capabilities; introducing regular tax updates issued by email to clients following Budget, Spending Reviews, Government announcements re Covid support/furlough, as well as promoting business and personal tax planning ideas via our new Tax Matters publication.

Take a look at our Tax Planner 
View our Tax Hub 
Read our Autumn Overview

We are now entering our second year of tax filings following Bruce’s retiral and we are delighted to report that we secured a good number of additional tax advisory assignments following the introduction of the new tax expert (our client base has warmed to the experience of having someone who can look at their business and personal finances and tax affairs in the round), and we have experienced minimal client defections since Bruce left less that 1-2% of the overall tax base.  

The tax manager we appointed in Sept 2020 has moved on and we are now actively seeking someone new who enjoys working in tax, solving problems – spots them too, saving clients’ money (for investment in even better things). Someone who is experienced, capable and looking for the next step up. Someone who wants more responsibility, is ready to shape their own department and is open to discussing opportunities at a higher level within the Practice.

Objectives of this role

  • Stay up to date with tax laws defined by UK government and HMRC
  • Gather and examine information to talk through the best options with clients
  • Accurately review client returns (Corporation and Personal) in accordance with tax authority rulings
  • Proactively advise clients of the most appropriate and tax efficient planning for them
  • Support your clients by liaising with HMRC on their behalf
  • Demonstrate credible knowledge, explain the tax implications and support clients’ investment decisions
  • Strong leadership skills to ‘lead’ tax department in direction aligned to overall accounting practice strategy
  • Identify and develop business opportunities to grow our revenue

Experience & Requirements

  • ATT or CIOT qualification and/or Accounting qualification
  • Proven experience as a tax accountant/specialist
  • Strong knowledge of accounting rules and regulations
  • Client centred approach where client satisfaction is paramount
  • Thrive working with a variety of clients and treat everyone as an individual
  • Excellent working knowledge in accounting software
  • Demonstrate leadership qualities and effectively manage a team
  • Strong computer skills, with an expertise in excel
  • Strong communication skills with ability to eradicate ambiguity
  • Outstanding analytical skills with ability to generate and deliver facts
  • Challenge the status quo and proactively seek ways to improve quality and processes
  • Strong attention to detail and focus on accuracy
  • Excellent time management and focus on meeting deadlines
  • Professional drive to progress within ammu

looking ahead

In one year – we are aiming to stabilise and reaffirm our commitment to continuity of service for our clients and for our skilled staff who are currently providing support during the busy tax return season. Also develop additional tax advisory assignments from our existing client base.

In three years – our aim is to have attracted a number of new accountancy, tax and advisory clients and to have doubled the income of our business. We want our tax expert to provide additional commercial acumen and experience on client matters, especially around business change events: e.g. buying/selling, succession/retirement, future options appraisal (business + directors), transactions – buying and selling, making business investment and the timing of such; and the main private client tax matters – IHT, CGT, trusts, property.

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contact us

If you would like more information about working with ammu, please contact Denholm Associates today.

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New Spirits Division

Our People

Our people are our most important asset, and their mental well-being and happiness are core to our success. We love our diverse workforce, actively embrace flexible working (even pre-pandemic!) and encourage a healthy work-life balance. We have been recognised as one of the most diverse SME workplaces in the UK and are holders of the Scottish Business Pledge which exists to promote a fairer Scotland. We have also just been included in the 2021 Culture Leaders Top 25 – an accolade of which we are very proud!

We are a fully inclusive and nurturing employer and, despite being in tech, the majority of our team are women, leading to accolades in the Computing Magazine Women in IT Awards and the Amazon Growing Business Awards. We currently represent 15 nationalities and speak 20 languages. Age is no barrier, and we recruit for attitude, providing and encouraging appropriate learning and training for each and every role.

We are also proud members of IP Inclusive, a network of professionals working to make the intellectual property industry more diverse.

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Communication Lead

We’re a passionate and professional team who thrive in issue-rich environment and we’re looking to add a Communication Lead to our fast-growing team. You’ll be a trusted advisor to clients across several sectors in all aspects of communication, external affairs, marketing and issues management. Coming from an agency or consultancy environment, at Account Director level or above, you’ll report directly to the Managing Director and be responsible for a small and busy multi-disciplinary team. You’ll have first-class project management skills, be solutions-driven and excellent commercial acumen too. Alongside the senior team, you’ll work to drive the strategic growth of Aspect.

Your core duties will include:

  • Working with the MD to develop and deliver growth strategies 
  • Attracting and retaining profitable clients across a range of sectors 
  • Leading the creation and execution of strategic communication programmes
  • Inspiring, leading and developing multi-disciplinary teams
  • Developing strong relationships with clients, colleagues and associates
  • Producing high quality pitches and proposals to secure new business 
  • Curating, nurturing and managing a team of talented associates.

You’ll be a skilled communicator, interested and knowledgeable about the key issues shaping the external environment. In addition, to be considered for this role, you must be able to demonstrate:

  • 7+ years of senior leadership experience within an agency or consultancy
  • Experience in Energy, Renewables, Financial Services or Life Sciences would be very desirable
  • Outstanding writing skills and the ability to engage and excite an audience
  • An impressive track record of client attraction, retention and growth 
  • The ability to thrive fast-paced environment managing multiple projects simultaneously
  • Strong influencing and leadership skills to motivate and inspire those around you
  • Excellent planning, evaluation and project management skills
  • To develop new processes, systems and ways of working to drive performance

Communication Advisors

We’re a passionate and professional team who thrive in issue-rich environment and we’re looking for Senior Communication Advisors, Communications Advisors and Communications Executives to join their fast-growing team. 

You’ll have previous agency experience at Senior Account Manager or Account Manager level and be passionate about delivering excellent results for clients. You might be a specialist in PR and media relations who produces compelling editorial content across a range of topics and sectors or you might be a public affairs expert who understands the policy landscape and helps clients build influential relationships. Whatever your specialism, you’ll be an excellent writer, full of creative ideas, with proven client management experience and the ability to provide expert advice our clients.

Your key duties will include:

  • Supporting the key account lead with day-to-day client liaison, providing strategic counsel on day-to-day account matters when required
  • Active involvement in planning and delivering global PR, marketing and digital campaigns
  • Managing content programmes, including mapping out content themes, spotting industry trends and story angles, writing copy when required which may include opinion articles, web and social
  • Building strong media relationships, creating pitches based on your story ideas and delivering content in-to suit the client’s target media and securing opportunities
  • Planning and running client’s social media programmes, and management of their channels
  • Continuously identifying opportunities to grow brand awareness and profile our client’s businesses within their target sector through events, webinars, thought leadership
  • Producing comprehensive and timely reports on client activity 
  • Supporting in the development of client proposals to help grow or win parts of the business


In addition, to be considered for this role, you must be able to demonstrate:

  • Proven background in account handling and direct client liaison – 4 years’ minimum
  • Experience in an agency setting focusing on B2B communication or PR
  • Strong communications skills, verbal and written
  • A background in delivering creative, digitally led B2B communications such as LinkedIn campaigns
  • An innate understanding of earned media, with the ability to create stories and generate coverage across traditional media, digital and social
  • Experience working on content management programmes, with an awareness of the changing way business audiences consume information and an appreciation of search, paid and wider customer marketing activity, and how it all fits together
  • A history of working with clients in a variety of sectors is welcomed but experience in the tech and energy industries is advantageous.

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DATA ENGINEER

Our Purpose

Our aim is to combat illicit online trade by identifying and removing counterfeits for sale. Counterfeits not only damage brands, their reputations, and revenues, but can cause significant harm to the end customer – whether as a fake toy or a fake medicine – and the consequences can be life threatening.

Counterfeiting is a significant economic and social issue.

The OECD reports that counterfeit and fake goods make up more than 3.3% of the world’s global trade. Those involved in the trade of counterfeits have been linked to people trafficking, prostitution, and drug dealing.

As such, reducing illicit trade is about much more than brand protection but also about human rights, safety, and social equity.

And this is what we do, every day.

Our Environment

We deliver purpose-driven work from an extremely welcoming environment near the City Centre. We actively encourage the responsible use of resources, from using public transport to reuse, recycling, and, of course, a minimal impact office environment. We have benefited from the advice of the Energy Saving Trust and Resource Efficient Scotland. Our waste contractor also provides us with a monthly report on volumes and types of material and the carbon emissions avoided through recycling.

Over 80% of our employees can walk or cycle to The Lair and, pre-pandemic, 10% were using public transport as their normal daily commuting mode. Without doubt, online meetings will replace considerable miles, going forward, saving resources, time and energy. Where possible, when possible, the train remains our preferred option. 

ANDY BRADY

HEAD OF HR

Andy Brady is a seasoned HR recruitment specialist, with over two decades of expertise in the field. With a foundation in Human Resource Management from the University of Derby, Andy swiftly transitioned into specialised HR recruitment. His diverse portfolio spans FMCG, Manufacturing & Engineering, Financial Services, the Third Sector, and Supply Chain, working at all levels from entry to executive positions.

Our Community

As well as working in close collaboration with our clients, and the online marketplaces, we are active members of groups that have been established to combat illicit trade. These include the Scottish Anti-Illicit Trade Group, the European Intellectual Property Office, The Scottish Business Resilience Centre, the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, and the China Britain Business Council. Members of our senior management sit on the boards of ACID (Anti-Copying in Design), the Scottish Ministerial Trade Board, and the European Union Intellectual Property Office’s Observatory Panel for SMEs, amongst others.

Each team member nominates good causes or charities that are supported on both an individual and corporate basis. Wherever possible, we support the employee’s involvement whether through time or fundraising events.

ANGELA MCCANN

DIRECTOR OF GROWTH

Having worked in the recruitment industry since 2000, Angela brings a wealth of experience as a Recruitment Professional and a proven track record of delivering a high-quality search and selection service to both public and private companies in the UK and internationally. Angela believes in a partnership approach to recruitment, ensuring a detailed understanding of employer/jobseeker requirements and delivering a bespoke service underpinned by professionalism, pragmatism and strong market knowledge.

JAMES BLYTH

HEAD OF MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING

James has a decade of experience within the FMCG sector where he has partnered with a wide range of businesses placing key appointments at all levels including Director/ Board level. Driving growth across our Manufacturing & Engineering function, James specialises in Production, Operations, Engineering, Quality, HSE, Technical, NPD and Supply Chain. With his passion and expertise in these areas, James supports candidates and clients by working closely to understand their needs and wants providing exceptional service.

ANDY MACEWAN

HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY, CHANGE & TRANSFORMATION

Andy has been recruiting in Technology, Change & Transformation since 2001. Delivering tailored resource solutions as trusted advisor to clients ranging from start-ups through to global blue-chip organisations across contract, permanent, fixed term, and managed service/statement of work solutions. He has experience providing candidates for Helpdesk through to CIO and takes great pride in providing excellent customer service and ensuring each candidate journey is a positive one. An expert in his market he can provide guidance across current market trends.

SCOTT CAITHNESS

CLIENT RELATIONSHIP PARTNER

Scott started his career working for one of the leading Advertising & Comms agencies in Edinburgh where he spent 7 years before moving in to recruitment in 2011. As such, he is well-networked in the Marketing & Comms space across Scotland. With a friendly and consultative approach, Scott is genuinely passionate about providing a positive journey to both candidates and clients alike and believes communication plays a big part in this.  A “thinking-outside-the-box recruiter”, he is known for helping candidates portray the best version of themselves and helping clients find talent for those hard to fill roles.

ALANA SIM

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - CONSUMER

Alana has been working in recruitment since 2012, predominately within the FMCG & Consumer markets. Having recruited in both the UK & Asia Pacific markets, Alana has a sound knowledge of local & international recruitment. Partnering with brands to attract & hire the best sales talent in the market, Alana focuses on mid to senior level Sales appointments within the Consumer space. With a strong commercial & sales background, Alana identifies and engages the best commercially focused talent for our clients.

LIZ PARSONS

SENIOR CONSULTANT - MARKETING

Liz has over 14 years’ experience in recruitment working across primarily the high-tech, pharmaceutical and FMCG sectors. She joined Denholm on December 1st 2021 following a relocation from Ireland to focus on Marketing recruitment. Liz’s experience ranges from high volume recruitment to executive search and she prides herself in her ability to fully understand a brief and her accurate matching skills. Frequently praised as being a clear communicator with a strong customer service ethic, Liz is well suited to the culture here at Denholm, where the client and the candidates’ needs are paramount.

EUAN ARCHIBALD

SENIOR CONSULTANT - Technology, Change & Transformation

Euan has been working in the world of recruitment since 2012, working to deliver bespoke services to both clients and candidates. Prioritising ‘future-fit’ candidates for clients, he works as an extension of his client’s business ensuring great representation in the market. He consults with each client to ensure excellent candidate journeys. Euan works focuses primarily on business analysis, project management and technical support opportunities.

CALLUM BEVERIDGE

SENIOR CONSULTANT - TECHNOLOGY, CHANGE & TRANSFORMATION

Callum has been working in recruitment since 2018 where he has solely focussed on the Technology, Change and Transformation market across the UK and ROI. He works closely with his clients and candidates to build long-lasting relationships across several industries, including Technology, Financial Services, Professional Services, Healthcare, Education, Public Sector and more. He specialises in engineering roles across Software, Infrastructure, Systems, DevOps and Cloud, along with Software Testing.

DREW GILLIES

HEAD OF AGENCY

Drew arrived at Denholm as an award-winning creative, having headed content strategy teams for marketing/advertising agencies in the UK/USA before a successful career in HR, people and culture. He has years of marketing experience and building teams on both sides of the Atlantic, priding himself on going the extra mile for clients and candidates alike. Drew always works with passion as our specialist in account management, planning and strategy, digital marketing, full-spectrum creative and traffic/studio management.

ZOE LUMSDEN

Recruitment AdministratoR

Zoe joined Denholm in 2022 as Recruitment Administrator, after working in administration roles for nearly a decade. Most recently within the recruitment industry, she joins us with experience of supporting consultants, clients and candidates at all levels. Zoe has a passion for helping people and applies her positive attitude and approachable manner to support our team and deliver the best possible service to our clients and candidates at all times.

OPTIMISE

CVs and interviews will take you to Level 2. Our behavioural profile will take you to Level 3, vital to identifying future potential.

LEVEL 1

Appears to...

  • Appearance
  • Expressiveness
  • Manner
  • Presence

LEVEL 2

Can do...

  • Knowledge
  • Acquired skills
  • Training
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Credentials

LEVEL 3

Will do...

  • Capability to learn
  • Aptitude
  • Attitude
  • Self-motivation
  • Stability
  • Persistence
  • Maturity
  • Temperament
  • Behaviour patterns