Financial Management with a Difference...

Mike McKenna ACA, Director

Together with Richard Tait, Mike launched Inspire in March 2002. Mike previously worked around the region for a number of significant firms prior to developing one of his own.

Mike has a significant client base which stretches to the south east of England and specialises in taxation planning (corporate and personal) as well as business strategy and corporate finance. In addition, Mike is a specialist in advising regulated business, particularly insurance and financial services.

When not at work, Mike and his wife Alison have their hands full looking after their four (yes, four!) daughters. Mike also follows the mighty Sunderland AFC at home and sometimes away (but never abroad!). Mike lives in Hartlepool and is learning to play golf.

Richard Tait FCCA, Director

Richard launched Inspire together with Mike McKenna in March 2002. Richard had previously worked in both national and regional practices advising owner managed businesses.

Richard looks after a diverse client base covering the north east and north west and also advises businesses based in Europe. Specialising in business strategy and planning, Richard also has significant experience as an all round business adviser in both private and public sector.

Away from the office most of Richard's time is taken up by family life in Whickham, Newcastle upon Tyne. Together with his wife, Joanne, they look after their two young daughters and various pets! Richard always finds time, however, to watch Newcastle United and has a keen interest in food and wine. He also professes to play golf, however most would question the use of the word "play".

Mark Harding BA (Hons) ACA, Client Adviser

Mark joined the inspire team briefly in January 2004 before setting off on a six month round the world trip. He rejoined the team in November 2004 and has become a key manager within our organisation and managing a significant client portfolio in all aspects of financial management.

Mark has worked around the region advising clients on business planning issues including management information, financial forecasting. Mark is also an experienced auditor and manages our accounts preparation and management accounts functions.

Mark enjoys football (the mighty 'Boro!), is a distinguished golfer and enjoys time with his wife Nina and their two children.

Anne Moorhouse, Client Adviser

Anne joined Inspire in May 2003 as our client base expanded. Anne has over 20 years experience within the profession advising both personal and corporate clients.

At Inspire Anne advises a growing portfolio of clients together with managing the processes for personal and corporate tax together with VAT return filing and business planning work. Anne also manages our e-filing capabilities to ensure we can manage client’s affairs in the most efficient and secure way possible.

Outside of work Anne enjoys all sports, dressmaking and reading. She can also be found socialising in Darlington where she lives with her son.

Rachel Ward, Client Adviser

Rachel joined us in 2009 having spent 4 years within the profession working for high quality local practices and gaining excellent experience. She decided to make the move to inspire in order to take on responsibility for managing her own portfolio of clients which she has now achieved.

Rachel specialises in accounts production, management reports and forecasting together with supervising the work of more junior members of staff.

Outside of work Rachel spends time with family and friends and enjoys weekend breaks, socialising (drinking!) and visiting the cinema.

Dee Gilman AAT, Associate

Dee assists with the delivery of accountancy and tax services to our clients, specialising in clients within the construction industry including dealing with CIS returns.

Dee worked within the electronics and food industries for over ten years before moving to pursue a career in accountancy with inspire. Dee quickly gained a sound understanding of inspire's service driven approach to client delivery.

When at home, Dee is keen to test her creativity around the house with her passion for interior design. Dee also enjoys getting stuck into a good crime novel or a crime story on TV.

Claire Hurworth ACA, Associate

Claire joined us in May 2004 to assist in developing our financial control business. Claire has previously worked in a "top 4" and large regional practice, together with 5 years experience in industry before taking on contract work. All this has made Claire a sound all rounder who delivers financial control and assurance services to our clients in the Tees Valley area, working out of our office in Darlington.

Claire has a young family which takes up most of her spare time; although when she has a moment to herself she enjoys walking, swimming, reading and visiting the cinema - but only rarely at the same time!

Craig Richardson, Trainee Business Adviser

Craig joined inspire as an Trainee Client Adviser in May 2008 from a large multinational business here in the north east. He has fitted into our team very well and is studying for the ACCA qualification which he hopes to achieve within 2 years (no pressure there then).

Craig is a keen musician and plays in a band – he has played to audiences of 100’s in the past!

Lorraine Small, Practice Manager & Payroll Manager

Lorraine joined the team in September 2007 in the newly created role of Practice Manager and we wonder what we did without her!

Lorraine has spent a number of years working within small and medium sized businesses within the north east which has given her fantastic experience in tackling her role here at inspire.

As well as managing the office, Lorraine is also PA to the directors and is now studying for the AAT qualification. She also manages our payroll clients and generally keeps us all on the straight and narrow.

Lorraine enjoys spending her free time socialising with friends and supporting her son through senior school.

Samantha Coates, Trainee Adviser and Administrator

Sam joined us in 2009 to perform a dual role – firstly as a trainee accountant studying for AAT at a local college, and secondly as an administrator to assist in the management of the practice with Lorraine as a result of our growth. Sam, from South Shields, is involved in accounts preparation, bookkeeping and administrative duties.

Recently, Sam has started splitting her time between our Tyneside office on the Team Valley and our Tees Valley office in Darlington.

When not at work, Sam enjoys socialising with friends and taking in the odd music festival.