Henderson Loggie selects corporate tax specialist to lead Life Sciences team

Corporate tax specialist Barbara Walton has been promoted to Director at Henderson Loggie and will head up the accountancy firm’s successful Life Sciences division.

Based in Henderson Loggie’s Edinburgh office, Ms Walton has over 20 years’ experience advising clients on domestic and international tax, R&D and entrepreneurial tax issues.

Henderson Loggie chair Alan Davis, said: “Barbara’s promotion reflects her considerable expertise and track record in advising companies of all sizes as they tackle the various stages of growth. The move marks a turning point in the development of Henderson Loggie’s sector specialist strategy and will strengthen our presence in the life sciences market.”

The Life Sciences Scotland Industry Leader Group, chaired by Business and Innovation Minister Paul Wheelhouse MSP, recently set out its ambitions to almost double industrial turnover to £8 billion by 2025.

Ms Walton said: “With a broad base of clients at all phases of business development, we provide advice on tax and business issues at home and abroad, and tax efficient funding. As a firm we have saved our clients over £8 million through R&D tax credits in the past five years and can advise on other reliefs available, such as the Enterprise Investment Scheme and SEIS.

“Life sciences firms often move in to international markets at a relatively early stage. It is essential that they understand the tax implications of each business model open to them as they expand their operations. Through our International network, we actively engage with member offices around the world to provide local expertise wherever it is required.”

There are currently over 700 life sciences organisations employing more than 37,000 people in Scotland, making it one of the largest life sciences clusters in Europe, according to Scottish Development International.

Henderson Loggie runs a monthly tax clinic at Edinburgh University, and regular business seminars, often in conjunction with HMRC.